Journal of Chinese Australia, Issue 2, October 2006

In this issue

Chinese processions have been a source of fascination and delight for the general public for a long time. There has been a similar interest in other Chinese ceremonies and rituals. But beyond flamboyant descriptions what do we really know about the operation of these events and the ways in which they have been incorporated into Australia? This second issue of the Journal of Chinese Australia, based around the theme of rituals, ceremonies and processions, aims to stimulate some thought on this topic. Kevin Wong Hoy and Patricia Jamieson consider this theme through an exploration of the Buckland temple dediction, a celebration for a first born son and a Chinese New Year feast. Michael Williams outlines some Chinese burial practices in Australia with some comparison of other parts of the Pacific. Carol Holsworth carefully unravels the origins of one of the dragons held by the Bendigo Golden Dragon Museum.

We also have a number of other stimulating articles which touch on other aspects of Chinese community. Mobo Gao and Wu Qianlong provide an exciting paper that translates, analyses and contextualises a Chinese-language account that was written at the request of a work team during the Land Reform Movement in China in 1950 by Willie Chung Sing, a Tasmanian and New Zealand market gardener. Drew Cottle and Angela Keys offer an historical overview of the Sydney-based Chinese Youth League and their activities. Cora Trevarthen explores the nature of the Chinese settler economy in northeast Victoria and the range and nature of employment and the occupations that sustained them with particular reference to Wahgunyah.

As well as the major articles in this issue John Osmond introduces the Beechworth Chinese Cultural Centre and Jon Kehrer provides an overview of his Taishan Geneaology website. We have a number of calls for information as well as a report on Branching out the Banyan Tree held in San Francisco late last year that touches on the rich work being undertaken in the US. Finally Michael Williams reviews the latest guide published by the National Archives of Australia on Chinese records in their collection.

The issue brings together contributions from just the kinds of people we were hoping would be part of JCA—community researchers, university students and academics who all share our interest in uncovering the history of the Chinese in Australia. The articles in this issue, and the long list of recent publications, show how much interesting and valuable work is being done. We hope you enjoy it and are inspired to share what you know about Chinese Australia.

THE JCA EDITORS