Culture of Macau

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A distinct feature in Macau has been the fusion between the Portuguese and Chinese cultures. With most of the population being Chinese, one would expect the total assimilation of the Portuguese over the past four centuries (as seen in Portuguese Goa in India). However, this has not been the case at least until the past decade or so. Before 1974, Portugal had a permanent military stationed in Macau. Hence, there were always Portuguese men sent to Macau to complete their compulsory military service. Many decided to stay and settle down after their service was completed.

Contents 1 People and languages 2 Cuisine 3 Religion 4 Chinese Traditional Medicine 5 Film 6 Mass Media 7 Music 8 Classic 9 Cantonese Opera 10 Facilities 11 See also

[edit] People and languages

Macau's population consists of mostly Han Chinese with a minority (less than 2%) of Portuguese. The official language until the handover from Portugal to China in 1999 was Portuguese. The primary language of the population is Cantonese. Mandarin is also spoken when necessary because it is the official language of China.

Signs in Macau are displayed in both Traditional Chinese and Portuguese.

[edit] Cuisine

Main article: Cuisine of Macau

Macau cuisine is a blend of southern Chinese and Portuguese cuisines, with significant influences from Southeast Asia and the Lusophone world.

The most famous snack is Portuguese-style egg tart. There were fanaticism in Southeast Asia, espically in Taiwan when it has been sold to those countries.

The most famous Macanese food is Galinha à Portuguesa which should be sold in many Portuguese style restaurant in Macau.

See Macanese cuisine

[edit] Religion

The primary religion is Buddhism. Roman Catholicism has considerable influence in education and social welfare. However, they only count for about six per cent of the population. Protestantism is spreading quickly, especially among the younger demographic groups.

[edit] Chinese Traditional Medicine

Main article: Chinese medicine

Chinese medicine (i.e. medical practice) is not only a nonremovable part of culture in the sphere of medical education but also a very common and alternative choice of treatment in Macau for both wealthy class and grassroots. With over 90 percent of its population as Chinese ancestry, Macau has a long history of using Chinese medicine, and Chinese traditional treatment has enjoyed a great popularity. The Faculty of Chinese Medicine [1] , Macau University of Science and Technology [2] was set up in the year of 2000.

A Pan-Pearl River Delta Forum and Exhibition for Chinese Medicine was held in Macau from June 21st to 23rd, 2005, which would hopefully raise Macao's ambition to act as an access for Chinese traditional medicine leading to the international market.

[edit] Film

A few independent films were produced since late 90s. Some of the well-known productions includes 窗前熗後 by Vincent Hui (2000), Love Is Not A Sin 鍾意無罪 by Doug Chan (2003), and macau.xmas.2005 澳門.聖誕.2005 by Sio (2005).[3]

[edit] Mass Media

Most of pop music that can be heard on the channel TDM Teledifusao de Macau (澳廣視 Est. 1982) [4] is imported from Hong Kong or overseas (e.g. mainly Japan ). However, more and more local songs are being recorded by locals in Macau.

[edit] Music

Macau International Music Festival - MIMF [5] is basically conducted by the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macau SAR Government every year. The 20th anniversary of the MIMF is celebrated with a touch of romanticism. Jazz, Classical music, electronica, Chinese folk-pop, rock and fado will fill Macau's autumn nights with magic. The eclectic programme of 28 performances promises to delight Macau audiences, accustomed to the festival's annual offering of some of the best music from all over the world.[6]

WhyOceans [7] Official website of WhyOceans

[edit] Classic

Macanese (i.e. with Portuguese descent) literature is a multi-dimensional art. Their literature appeared as early as in the 19th century. At the beginning of the 20th century, a group of well-known writers have appeared: 李安樂的詩集《孤獨之路》- Anthology "Lonely Road", 《美麗的蛋家女》(TancareiraBela)，《沉思的蛋家女》(Tancareira Pensativa)及《蛋家女之歌》(CancāoDe Tancareira) - Leanel Alves. 若瑟(阿德)的詩集《澳門，受祝福的花園》- Anthology "blessed garden, Macao" - Jose dos Santos Ferreira. 江道蓮的短篇小說集《長衫》- Short fiction : "The Gown" written by Deolinda de Conceição [8] 飛歷奇的長篇小說《愛情與小脚趾》和《大辫子的誘惑》- Long fiction: "Love and small toes" & "The Bewitching Braid" written by Henrique de Senna Fernandes [9]. 馬若龍的詩集《一日中的四季》- Anthology "four seasons in one day" - Carlos Marreiros [10]

"Chinese Urheen - 《中國二胡》" Camilo Pessanha (庇山耶) 1867 - 1926

"Collection of Cathedral of Saint Paul -《三巴集》" WuLi (清代 • 吳曆) 1632 - 1718

Renowned playwright Tang Xianzu [11] (明代 • 湯顯祖 1550 - 1616). His works covered "XiangAo Meets Jia Hu" - 《香澳逢賈胡》、"Listens to Xiangshan - Translator" one, "Listens to Xiangshan - Translator" two - 《聼香山譯者 1, 2 》, 《香山驗香所採香口號》, "South Haijiang" -《南海江》 and so on. These works mainly reflected and depicted Macau's local scenery at that time (late Ming dynasty), the human sentiment and international trade.

"The Chart of Maritime Countries - 《海國圖志》" , "Listens to the Dulcimer & Song playing by a foreign lady in the Aomen Garden - 《澳门花园听夷女洋琴歌》" written by WeiYuan (清代 • 魏源 1794 - 1857 ), has displayed his personal feeling and understanding of the Western music.

[edit] Cantonese Opera

Main article: Cantonese opera

Cantonese Opera [12] is quite popular especially in the group of eldery. In 2003, the Cultural Institute of the Macao S.A.R Government, in collaboration with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of the Hong Kong S.A.R organized the exhibition " Fong Yim Fun - The Life and Work of a Cantonese Opera Artiste" [13] . The part of her works (as a well-known actress and opera artiste in Canton, Hong Kong and Macao, Fong Yim Fun performed in more than 150 operas and films) was exhibited in the Museum of Macao [14] at that time.

[edit] Facilities

Macao Cultural Centre [15](i.e. Centro Cultural de Macau) established in 1999 for the purpose of offering unique venues for artistic events, international conferences and exhibitions, enhancing cultural exchange and helping to expand culture horizon amongst Macau residents. Hundred and thousand programs and events launch almost every single day, e.g. martial arts performance, Chinese traditional music, foreign music, varies types of dancing, etc.

Macau Ricci Institute is a recent foundation of the Jesuits in Macau. Its aim is to continue the process of friendly encounter between Chinese and Western cultures and traditions, which was begun by Matteo Ricci 1552-1610 many years ago. [16]

[edit] See also

• Culture of China
• Culture of Hong Kong
• Gambling in Macau
• Education in Macau
• Macanese (a local Portuguese Creole, also called Patuá)
• José dos Santos Ferreira