Ceremony held to worship ancestor

A ceremony to pay homage to Huangdi, also known as Yellow Emperor, was held at Chinatown in London on Sunday.

Huangdi, who reigned nearly 5,000 years ago, has been considered the legendary ancestor of Chinese people and founder of Chinese culture. He was said to be born on the third day of the third month of the Chinese lunar calendar in Xinzheng, a city in Central China's Henan province. So it has become a tradition to worship Huangdi on that day for a better future.

The ceremonial rituals in London included dragon and lion dances, presenting flower baskets, offering incense, reading worship texts, and song and dance worship.

The ceremony aimed to express overseas Chinese people's respects for their ancestor Huangdi as well as their aspiration for a prosperous motherland and a peaceful and harmonious world, said Deng Zhuting, president of London Chinatown Chinese Association. ­­­

Zhu Xiaojiu, president of the UK Society of Chinese Lawyers, said it's an honor to be the lord worshippers reading the memorial orations during the ceremony.

"It does not matter if the venue of the ceremony is small or grand. What's important is the ceremony can bring the ancient Chinese culture to all Chinese overseas, who can enjoy the splendid Chinese civilization through the ceremony. I hope such ceremony can be held in more countries around the world," Zhu said.

The ceremony was hosted by London Chinatown Chinese Association and UK yellow Emperor Cultural Innovation and Development.