CityUHK Visiting Scholar Lecture Series 2025–26 by Prof. Barend ter Haar successfully held on 10 December 2025

The Department of Chinese and History held a public lecture on 10 December 2025, featuring renowned sinologist Prof. Barend ter Haar as part of the CAH Visiting Scholar Lecture Series 2025–26. Chaired by Prof. Tsui Lik Hang, the talk was titled “From ‘Beating Petty People’ (打小人) to the Fear of Witches and Witchcraft in Chinese History.” Drawing on his recent research and book on the fear of witchcraft in imperial China, Prof. ter Haar delivered a humorous, engaging, and highly knowledgeable presentation that began with the well-known custom of “Beating Petty People” in Hong Kong and the broader Cantonese-speaking world. He explained how this ritual is rooted in long-standing cursing traditions, and shared how anxieties surrounding witchcraft shaped everyday life, social tensions, and religious beliefs throughout Chinese history. The lecture attracted an enthusiastic audience of CityUHK students and staff, along with scholars from other institutions. A lively Q&A session followed, featuring friendly debates and audience reflections and sharing on this intriguing topic.

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