Collaboration and Ching Ming

Beechworth History and Heritage Society president Jamie Kronborg and treasurer Peter Kenyon yesterday visited Bendigo's fascinating Golden Dragon Museum 金龍博物館, guided by research officer Leigh McKinnon.

Golden Dragon Museum research officer Leigh McKinnon with BHHS president Jamie Kronborg with Loong, a Chinese dragon long used in Bendigo's Easter Festival parade 1892-1970. Image: Peter Kenyon

Leigh spoke about the links between Bendigo's and Beechworth's Chinese communities from the colonial-era gold rushes in both places and in the years that followed. There's so much information to share and collaborative opportunities to explore. Leigh believes the Chinese processional banners in Beechworth's Burke Museum, restored by conservators Artlab Australia and re-exhibited in a fine, custom-built display from 2015, are the oldest and best-preserved in Australia.

𝗜𝗡𝗩𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡

Jamie and Peter also spoke with Leigh about the Qingming, or Ching Ming, Festival, known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, to be commemorated this year on 5 April.

Please join us with Beechworth's Kathryn Chivers at 10:00am on Monday 6 April at Beechworth Cemetery's altar and burning towers to observe Ching Ming and honour more than 2000 Chinese ancestors who were interred nearby.

Heritage Victoria's plaque certifying Loong's listing on the Victoria's Heritage Register, modern-made processional banners used in Bendigo's parade, and a section of one of Beechworth's processional banners. Images: Jamie Kronborg

The significance of Beechworth's Chinese community processions encouraged The Ovens and Murray Advertiser, Beechworth's newspaper, to propose one in December 1885 for the looming visit of Victoria's governor Sir Henry Loch and Lady (Elizabeth) Loch:

'It is not yet known how the evening of the 29th will be lifted up; but we would suggest that a grand torchlight procession with a display of fireworks, should be held. The conditions connected with this idea are most favorable, and as it might be carried out at small expense, it is deserving of early consideration, in order that the necessary preparations may be made. We would also point out that, bearing in mind the prominent part the Chinese took, with their banners, illuminated fish, and bands of native music, in the carnivals of former years, as the material is still in the camp at Spring Creek, they might be induced to add to the attractiveness of the procession on the evening in question.' - The Advertiser, 18 December 1885