The term ‘Lion Rock Spirit’. Singing the song of the same name invariably incites a sense of belonging As Hongkongers, we all know in us and reinforces our comradeship with fellow citizens. Such is the magic of this term. However, do you know how this term came to be?

 

The term’s usage can be traced back to the 70s, coming from a TV series depicting Hong Kongers’ life stories set against historic backgrounds called “Under the Lion Mountain”. Tragic as some of the stories were, as was typical of our kin back then, the characters had this unyielding perseverance and optimism that shone through. This was duly captured by the TV series. “Under the Lion Mountain” proved to be most emboldening, and the series was inevitably an instant favourite. It was such that the term ‘Lion Rock Spirit’ came to encapsulate our unique perseverance and solidarity especially in unfavourable circumstances (逆境自存，群策群力).

 

The circumstances have changed. Hong Kong has evolved - no longer is there mass immigration, not does the Shek Kip Mei Slums continue to exist. However, at no other point have we been as pessimistic in our outlook for our future. Yes, the circumstances are still harsh. There are fewer opportunities for the young, and many are forced to live in substandard divided flats. The political future is uncertain. However, this is not a reason for us to lose hope, and it is even a greater reason for us to persevere and in solidarity build Hong Kong for the better. We have forgotten our ‘Lion Rock Spirit’.

 

It is once again time for us to embrace this noble spirit. Thus, we will embody this spirit by making this our recurring theme for the year. We aim to promote this spirit to all, and we aim to make our society representative of our hometown. We will also take into heart this theme when we make our future plans. We truly believe that by picking up the ‘Lion Rock Spirit’, we will make Hongkong story become great again!!!