CHINA: Giant pumpkin adds life to Hong Kong's Halloween festivities

The mega-pumpkin is a hit with children in Hong Kong, who can crawl in and out of holes in the sculpture. A giant orange pumpkin is on display at one of Hong Kong's shopping malls, showing one of the creative ways in which Asia celebrates Halloween. The sculpture called "Dots Obsession -- Soul of the pumpkin" was created by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, known for her repetitive dot motifs. Dotted lanterns and black dots also surrounded the area where the giant pumpkin stood, overlooking Hong Kong's historic harbour. "It's very pretty! I read about this in a magazine and we wanted to come and see it for ourselves," said Eunice Chan, who came to see the pumpkin with her friend. Shoppers marveled at the larger than life dotted sculpture, taking numerous pictures with digital cameras, while children darted about the black interior, popping out from holes and squealing in delight. Tourists also enjoyed the evening spectacle. "It's very interesting. It's very Hong Kong. There are celebrations everywhere all the time," said Kerrie Mau, who was shopping in the area. Halloween has turned from an obscure foreign celebration into a popular cultural event in Asia. Hong Kong children are now dressing up and attending festive parties, while shops around the city are selling a plethora of merchandise-- ranging from chocolates to fancy dress costumes. The shopping mall also had some pumpkin heads for children to play with. But in Hong Kong, the children added a bit of local flavour to the celebrations as they did a Halloween version of the Chinese lion dance-- a prop often seen on parade during Chinese New Year.

ITN Source | November 5, 2007

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