From Hong Kong’s mid-19th century urban beginnings, celebratory occasions have typically involved toasts. Across a variety of cultures, the ceremonial raising and clinking of glasses – whatever the contents may be – symbolises goodwill. The expressions used and the languages deployed have varied considerably over time.
While usually little more than a polite indication to begin drinking on the part of the host, different layers of meaning are expressed in other circumstances. In earlier, less-fractious times, October 1 celebrations marking the establishment of the People’s Republic in 1949 were marked by a reception at the New China News Agency (Xinhua) in Hong Kong. The local Xinhua branch’s then director and the governor of Hong Kong would ritually exchange greetings and clink glasses – an annual show of diplomatic bonhomie between the representatives of two sovereign powers that said much about mutual efforts towards genuine cooperation and goodwill for the wider benefit of the city and its peoples.
A hearty “Cheers!” remains the general standard across ethnic groups and socio-economic divides, and has stood the test of time. Drinkers who may know no other word of English are – especially if male – likely to know that one phrase, and be fully aware of how and when to use it. Other once-commonplace toasts have come and gone, and periodically enjoy a revival.
“Chin-chin” is an old-fashioned glass-raiser with Chinese origins that, in the first half of .