MESSAGE

Macau - Memories Revealed

One of the purposes of the Foundation for Cooperation and Development of Macau, as stipulated in its articles of incorporation, is the promotion of culture and science of Macau.

The territory of Macau, though a small area, is nonetheless recognized by its international dimensions, namely its historical archives, revealing its inter-cultural role, disseminated through Asia, Europe, and Americas, and which was written in Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Franch and English.

The history and the universal culture of Macau is expressed in the longest connection between East and West, consolidated in the respect for the cultural differences of the people who explored this land for centuries. This shows that to unite humanity is, after all, to investigate its past, people, customs and experiences.

FCDM, an institution of Macau to serve Macau, intending to offer researchers and other interested persons,

an instrument with which to allow the attainment of such purposes, has opportunely acquired this set of photographs which is now pleased to present to the people, who have always shown an interest in their ancestors' customs and life-style.

This set of documents, preserving the memory of Macau between 1925 and 1941, faithfully portrays the ancestral customs of the hard working Chinese community and supplies data to investigators that allows the reconstruction of that not-so-distant past; a past unthinkable today due to the indifference to demolition in favour of modernity.

Countless traditions, daily experiences and other customs of the rich Chinese civilization through thousands of years are recorded therein, namely:

• The pomp of religious processions, so rich in Chinese rituals;

• The ostentatious dragon festivities, performed by dozens of acrobats and followed by an endless parade;

• The imposing funerary processions, honouring the wealthy;

• The sumptuosiness of Chinese weddings;

• The fish salting, the drying of the incense sticks and the packets of firecrackers;

• Many of the typical customs of the simple citizens, like the outdoor barber's shops often visited by those who could not afford to patronize the established barber's shops, as their money was quite scarce;

• The innumerable boats anchored in the neighbouring waters, today have completely vanished;

• Finally, the day-to-day life of those times, delight of a great numbers of writers and artists who dedicated much of their brush and ink to it.

FCDM is therefore proud to contribute with these documents for a better knowledge of the history and the culture of Macau and its people.

FCDM dedicates this photographic document to the people of Macau who may be proud of their ancestors, history and culture.

ELIAS FARINHA SOARES
Deputy Chair of the Board of Directors
Foundation for Cooperation and Development of Macau (FCDM)