The New York Hok Shan Society is a Not-For-Profit mutual-aid group located in the heart of New York’s Chinatown community (42 Mott Street). Located on the sixth floor of the Hok San Building, members meet daily for social activities such as mah jong, card games, ping pong and to renew friendships. It was founded in
The name Hok San means “Crane Mountain” and is traditionally associated with the Hok San people that trace their roots to the city of Heshan, Guangdong Province in southern China. It is the hometown of many of our members.
In general, Hok San is a historically rich region, deeply connected to the development of Cantonese culture, food, and language.
The Hok San people are a subgroup of the Cantonese-speaking population, which is part of the larger Yue ethnic group. Cantonese culture is rich in traditions, arts, and customs.
- Language: The Hok San people speak a variety of Cantonese known for some unique characteristics and accents, though it’s largely similar to standard Cantonese spoken in places like Hong Kong and Guangdong province.
- Cuisine: Cantonese food is renowned worldwide, with dishes like dim sum, roast meats, and seafood. Hok San cuisine shares these traits, with a heavy emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Chinese New Year: Like many Chinese people, the Hok San celebrate Chinese New Year with vibrant festivals, family gatherings, dragon dances, and the giving of red envelopes (hongbao) with money for good luck.
- Mid-Autumn Festival: This festival celebrates the harvest and the full moon. Families gather to share mooncakes and admire the moon together.
- Ancestor Worship: Many Hok San families maintain strong connections to their ancestors through rituals that involve offerings and honoring the deceased. This practice is part of the broader Chinese tradition of filial piety and respect for ancestors.
- Migration and Overseas Communities: Over the centuries, many Hok San people migrated to other regions due to economic opportunities or political instability in China. This migration helped spread Cantonese culture globally, especially to places like Southeast Asia, North America, and even Australia. Cities like San Francisco, Vancouver, and Singapore have large communities with roots in the Hok San areas of China.
Today, Hok San people live all over the world, and the area remains a vibrant part of Chinese culture. The region is still known for its cultural festivals, distinct regional foods, and close-knit communities. Cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen have many people with Hok San roots.
Hok San Culture is also famous for the Lion Dance
The lion dance is highly significant in Cantonese culture, and Hok San communities are known for their strong connection to this art form. The dance involves performers dressed in elaborate lion costumes, often in pairs (one person controls the head and the other the body). The performance is accompanied by drumming, cymbals, and gongs, and is believed to bring good fortune, drive away evil spirits, and bring prosperity.
The Hok San people have historically been skilled practitioners of the lion dance, and there are various styles of lion dance that have evolved over time. The two main styles are:
- Hok San Lion Dance: The Hok San people are particularly known for their distinctive lion dance style, which has its unique characteristics and techniques. Hok San lion dance performances often emphasize strength, precision, and more “martial” movements, reflecting the region’s martial arts influences. Many lion dance troupes that perform internationally claim roots in Hok San culture or trace their lineage to Hok San traditions.
- Cantonese Lion Dance (Southern Lion Dance): This is the most widely recognized lion dance, characterized by a lively and acrobatic performance. It has deep roots in southern China, including the Hok San region. The Cantonese lion dance features a more exaggerated, playful lion with vibrant colors, intricate details, and powerful movements. The dance is often performed during Chinese New Year and other major festivals or celebrations to bring luck and drive away bad spirits.
The influence of Hok San’s lion dance has spread across the world due to migration. As communities with roots in the Hok San region established themselves in countries like the United States, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia, they brought their lion dance traditions with them, helping to popularize it and make it a symbol of Chinese culture globally.