Performance Venues and Protocol Requirements of Hong Kong National Anthem
The Hong Kong national anthem, also known as “March of the Volunteers,” is a symbol of the city’s unity and patriotism. The anthem was adopted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on July 1, 1997, when Hong Kong was handed over from British to Chinese rule. As a special administrative region of China, Hong Kong has its own protocol requirements and guidelines for the performance of the national anthem. In this blog post, we will explore the venues where the national anthem is commonly sung and the etiquette guidelines that must be followed during its performance.
Performance Venues
The Hong Kong national anthem is commonly sung at a variety of venues, including government events, sporting events, and school ceremonies. The most significant event where the national anthem is performed is the flag-raising ceremony at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai. This ceremony takes place every day at 8:00 am and marks the beginning of each new day in Hong Kong. It is a solemn event where people gather to witness the raising of the Hong Kong flag and the playing of the national anthem. The ceremony is open to the public and is a popular event for tourists.
In addition to the flag-raising ceremony, the national anthem is also commonly sung at sporting events, particularly during international competitions such as the Olympics or the Asian Games. The anthem is played at the beginning of the event, and everyone present is required to stand up and face the national flag or the music. The same etiquette requirements that apply to the flag-raising ceremony also apply to sporting events.
The national anthem is also played at the beginning of school ceremonies, such as graduation ceremonies or morning assemblies. Schools in Hong Kong have a long-standing tradition of playing the national anthem during morning assemblies, where students gather to sing the anthem and recite the pledge of allegiance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Etiquette Requirements
When the Hong Kong national anthem is performed, there are specific etiquette requirements that must be followed. These requirements are designed to show respect for the anthem and the values it represents. Here are some of the key etiquette requirements:
Standing
When the national anthem is played or sung, everyone present must stand up and face the national flag or the music. If the national flag is not present, people should face the direction of the music. This standing position should be maintained throughout the duration of the anthem.
Seriousness
The national anthem is a solemn and serious piece of music, and it should be treated with the utmost respect. People should not talk, move around, or engage in any other activities during the performance of the anthem. This is to show respect for the anthem and the values it represents.
Attire
When the national anthem is performed, people should dress in a respectful and appropriate manner. This means avoiding clothing with slogans or symbols that could be considered disrespectful to the anthem or the country. The attire should be formal or semi-formal, depending on the occasion.
Singing
When singing the national anthem, people should sing in unison and with enthusiasm. The anthem should be sung in its entirety, and people should not add any personal flourishes or modifications to the lyrics. The purpose of singing the national anthem is to show patriotism and unity, and everyone should sing with pride.
Silence
After the national anthem has been performed, there should be a moment of silence to reflect on the values and ideals it represents. This moment of silence should be maintained for a few seconds before any other activities are resumed. It is a way to show respect for the anthem and the significance it holds for the people of Hong Kong.
Conclusion
The Hong Kong national anthem is an important symbol of the city’s unity and patriotism. Whether it is performed at a government event, a sporting event, or a school ceremony, it is essential to follow the etiquette requirements to show respect for the anthem and the values it represents. By standing up, dressing appropriately, and singing with enthusiasm, we can all show our commitment to Hong Kong and its national anthem. The anthem is a reminder of the city’s rich history and its enduring spirit, and it is a source of pride for the people of Hong Kong. Let us all stand together and sing the national anthem with pride and unity.