Kau Yeuk (Sha Tin)

The Nine Alliances of Lek Yuen or Kau Yeuk (Chinese: 九約; lit. 'Alliance of Nine') was a regional organization of various groups in Sha Tin Valley, Hong Kong.[1][2]

Alliances

The nine groups were:[3]

History
The original temple, located within the Che Kung Temple complex in Tai Wai. The characters 九約 appear in the couplet on the doorway of the main entrance (left side visible on the picture).

The Che Kung Temple near San Tin Wai village in the Tai Wai area was built and initially managed by Tin Sam village. The village lost its managerial rights in the late 19th century as a consequence of a dispute against the Kau Yeuk that was settled in a lawsuit at the yamen.

The Kau Yeuk had provided evidence that it made significant contributions to the renovation of the temple. The Kau Yeuk could prove its case by referring to the rhymed couplets that were inscribed on both sides of the main entrance and that bore its name.[1]

The temple was subsequently jointly managed by nine villages of Sha Tin, while Tin Sam Village continued to enjoy some privileges in the worship of Che Kung.[4][5] Since 1936, the temple has been administered by the Chinese Temples Committee.[4]

See also

References
  1. Faure, David (1986). The structure of Chinese rural society: lineage and village in the eastern New Territories, Hong Kong. Oxford University Press. p. 119-121. ISBN 9780195839708.
  2. Hase, P. H. (2020). "Chapter 3. Traditional Sha Tin". Settlement, Life, and Politics - Understanding the Traditional New Territories. Royal Asiatic Society Hong Kong studies series. City University of Hong Kong Press. pp. 215–320. ISBN 9789629374419.
  3. "九約" (in Chinese). 馬鞍山民康促進會.
  4. Antiquities Advisory Board. Historic Building Appraisal. Che Kung Temple, Che Kung Miu Road, Tai Wai
  5. Antiquities Advisory Board. Historic Building Appraisal. Choi Ancestral Hall, No. 142 Tin Sam
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