How to give a middle finger, Song Dynasty style

Speaker:

Chan Chow Wah, a Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute (UK) and founder of research website Chinatownology

Synopsis:

Join us as we travel back in time to the Song Dynasty (A.D. 960 to 1279), one of China’s fabled dynasties.

Not in the boring “I talk, you listen” style. Not through impressing you with dates and names that don’t mean anything.

But through unforgetable stories, food, fragrance, and a community of like-minded friends to discover the culture, politics, economy and religious life of the Song, from an independent scholar known for his irreverence and wit!

Experience what the homes of the wealthy Song literati would have smelt like, as we perfume the space with the fragrance they imported from coastal Fujian to inland Kaifeng, to place next to dainty windmills.

Be regaled by the (mis)adventures of the clumsy booze-loving, meat-eating monk Ji Gong (济公), who became the hero of the Song common man after his expulsion from the monastery.

Discover how the Song Empress Cao reached the pinnacle of power, despite not ranking among the best-lookers in the harem.

Through these, discover how the legacy of this great dynasty that collapsed 800 years ago linger among us today.

We’ll share how the rise of Tiger Moms can be traced to the Song - and explain the connection to the black-faced Justice Bao (包拯), Song Dynasty’s Sherlock Holmes.

We'll share how the peasantry gave the “middle finger” to the imperial elite after the murder of the legendary Song general Yue Fei, via a subversive culinary act that gave birth to our favourite breakfast snack.

In a bygone era marked by artistry and anarchy, refinement and ruin, the Song’s lasting legacy was perhaps in the way its respect for systems eroded imperial power.

Spend a divine afternoon in historic Duxton, and travel back a millennium with us!

Co-presented by:

Co. (a community-driven organization rooted in the Duxton neighborhood dedicated to curating dynamic and exciting programs through engaging events) and the Academy of Classical Chinese Culture (the education arm of Say Tian Hng Buddha Shop, established in 1896)

Important to note:

* Due to limited slots, bookings are non-refundable.

* Minimum age of 7.

* Photos of the workshop may be taken and used for publicity purposes.

* Content is subject to minor changes.

* Workshop is conducted in English

* Wet weather plan: None (Workshop is indoors)

Purchase Tickets here > https://www.classicalchineseculture.com/products/how-to-give-a-middle-finger-song-dynasty-style-sat-8-july-4-6pm