To promote Hsinchu County's rich Hakka cultural heritage and foster intergenerational exchange, the Social Affairs Department of Hsinchu County Government has specially planned the "Elderly Wisdom Inheritance" activities in collaboration with the Hsinchu County Red Cross and the Shakeng Community Development Association of Hengshan Township. From August to September, four Hakka banquet events will be held. The first event took place at the Shakeng Children's and Youth Center in Hengshan, reviving memories of traditional Hakka banquet culture.
County Mayor Yang Wen-ke stated, "Wherever there is sunshine, there are Hakka people," expressing his pride in Hakka culture with the phrase "I am Hakka, and I am proud." The county government actively promotes the revival of the Hakka language and the inheritance and promotion of Hakka culture. This event combines local Hakka banquet culture to ensure the transmission of traditional culture and elderly wisdom. It not only incorporates professional teams to facilitate cultural exchange and promote social participation but also encourages seniors to live a vibrant and happy life.
This event combines the local Hakka banquet culture, integrating professional teams to promote cultural exchange, and also helps the elderly move towards joyful and fulfilling aging. (Photo / Hsinchu County Government)
The Social Affairs Department noted that in response to Taiwan’s aging society and in line with the four development visions of the Executive Yuan’s White Paper on Aging Society—autonomy, independence, inclusiveness, and sustainability—this year’s innovative elderly welfare services are centered around “Active and Healthy Aging” and “Intergenerational Harmony.” Special thanks to the Taiwan Depository & Clearing Corporation for sponsoring NT$600,000. The event combines academia, youth, private sectors, and care centers to host lectures and intergenerational activities, utilizing the wisdom and experience of the community’s elderly.
The theme of this event is Hakka banquet culture, with four events held at locations including the Shakeng Children's and Youth Center in Hengshan, Tianliao Community, Fuxing Community, and the Qionglin Children's Center. Hengshan’s Shakeng area was once a hub of community banquet culture, with over 30 head chefs at its peak, inheriting Hakka’s unique four-braise and four-stir techniques. However, as demand for banquets decreased, these skills gradually declined.
The event invites community master chefs to personally teach participants knife skills, plating, and Hakka culinary culture, passing on the flavors and hospitality of the Hakka people. Participants will not only enjoy a rich cultural experience but also interact with the elderly, sharing life wisdom and experiences to further promote community harmony and cohesion.
Through this "Elderly Wisdom Inheritance" activity, Hsinchu County Government hopes to raise public awareness of Hakka culture while injecting new vitality into its preservation and development. The public is invited to actively participate in experiencing and inheriting this unique cultural heritage.
