Romance of the stone: cultural interpretationof Yan Yuen Shek (Lover's rock)

Abstract

This dissertation sheds light on the cultural significance of Yan Yuen Shek, a non man-made feature, and its relationship with the folk worship culture. Under the influence of prevailing legends probably fabricated after war, Yan Yuen Shek is often misunderstood as a contemporary cultural highlight. Actually, its cultural history could be traced back to the early colonial period as possible. Like other temples in the neighborhood, it had passed through different stages of temple development before it is incorporated into the present Lover’s Stone Garden. Based on the above, the author has some observations. First, folk worship could be manifested in various forms under different circumstances. The evolution from primitive, simple forms to extensive, elaborated forms would not be a linear path but with drawbacks at intervals. Conservationists should look beyond temples and pay equal attention to other less apparent objects. Second, the Lover’s Stone Garden is quite successful to upkeep the setting of Yan Yuen Shek as it was in 1970s but the regulations and planning intention behind the garden is not beneficial to sustain the intangible elements of Yan Yuen Shek, setting some possible constraints to its further enhancement.