Lum’s images depict settings for rituals and performances. Rituals are a deep part of human history, and are performed for a variety of cultural, memorial, symbolic or religious reasons. Rituals can be as mundane as the unspoken norms around taking a bus, or as formal as the opening of Parliament. Participants may find meaning, community, comfort, or familiarity through rituals. At the same time, they can be felt as alienating, exclusionary, and mysterious to the outside observer. 

Each of Lum’s images gives clues to rituals that take place in Chinese-Canadian spaces. See prompts below to locate and consider items within one of Lum’s images. We invite you to share your responses (in any form) by emailing [email protected] or using #MeetingsandRituals. We will then build a virtual ritual collage. There are no wrong answers—only good discoveries!

Object 1: Idioms and Slogans

Idioms and slogans are a key part of Chinese culture, and are often used to inspire, educate and remind.

What role might these idioms play in the rituals that happen here? What effect might these idioms have on participants? The audience? An outsider? How do these slogans change the feel of the space? How might it feel if these slogans were not there? How might idioms and slogans be used as part of ritual in the communities that you are part of? 

Object 2: Donations and Offerings

The Donation Box is prominently situated very close to the altar. 

When do you think donations might be offered? Do you think that you would receive something for donating? How might donations be used? How are donations collected as part of a ritual in the communities that you are part of?

Object 1: Lighting

Lighting can have a huge impact on the experience of a ritual. In this photo, we see a skylight, chandelier, and lights in modern and Chinese-styles.

What impact might such a large skylight have on the rituals that happen here? How might the Chinese-style lanterns be used? If you are an outsider to this space, how does this lighting setup make you feel? How is lighting incorporated into rituals in the communities that you are part of?

Object 2: Altar and Photos 

The altar is painted red and gold, and surrounded by potted plants and large photos.

Why might the figures depicted be part of the altar? Do you think the colours or plants have cultural significance or symbolism? If your community uses altars or shrines, how are they decorated and ornamented?

Object 1: Banners and Slogans

On both sides of the stage are banners with slogans.

What purpose might these banners be serving? What effect might these have on people participating in the ritual? The audience? An outsider? How do these slogans affect the feel of the space? How might it feel if these slogans were not there? What are some slogans or sayings used in rituals that you are part of? 

Object 2: Music Stand

A single music stand sits off to the side of the stage.

What kinds of rituals would use a music stand? How might music play a role in the rituals that happen in this space? What are some rituals that involve music in the communities you are part of?

Object 1: Stained-glass

A stained-glass window with a cross sits behind the altar. Stained glass has a long history of use in churches.

Why might stained glass be used as part of this stage and altar? What experiences might it evoke? Imagine if this was a real stained-glass window. How might the experience change? How do you see stained glass? Is it part of the rituals that you are part of? What is your relationship with this art form? 

Object 2: Lectern

In the middle of this photo is a lectern with a cross.