Twenty-five years ago today, all walks of life in Hong Kong held a "Ten Thousand Doves Released to Celebrate the Return" event at the Sha Tin District Stadium. At the same time, at the Hong Kong Return Monument groundbreaking ceremony, 1,997 peace doves spread their wings and flew back to the motherland!
When the wanderers returned home in 1997, 1997 peace doves returned home. The meaning of the event organizers is obvious.
There is a homing pigeon named "Raindrop" in the pigeon group. It was not so eye-catching at first. However, 15 days later, "Raindrop" became a big star in "Moving China".
Spread your wings and fly home like an arrow
"Raindrop" is also called "Rain Spotted Pigeon". It belongs to the "Pied Pigeon Series". Because the color of its feathers is similar to Raindrop, it is called "Raindrop".
The owner of "Raindrop", Shao Qingwei, is an employee of a motorcycle company in Hefei, Anhui. Before Hong Kong's return, 29 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions across the country participated in the "Ten Thousands of Pigeons Released to Celebrate Return" event. Shao Qingwei The "Raindrop" is also among the 710 homing pigeons selected in Anhui Province.
Here I want to talk about the origin of the name "Peace Dove" and the origin of the practice of releasing doves.
Pigeons have been regarded as "lucky birds" by the world since ancient times, and the reputation of "peace dove" entrusts mankind's good wishes.
As everyone knows, the reputation of "Peace Dove" actually comes from a tragic story.
In August 1940, fascist gangsters brutally threw a little boy to death in Paris and stabbed to death several pigeons that the boy particularly liked.
After burying the bodies of the little boy and the little pigeon, the little boy's grandfather found the great painter Picasso who was living in Paris at the time.
The old man told Picasso the tragic story of the little boy and the dove, and asked Picasso to help him draw a dove to commemorate his murdered grandson.
With aversion to war and hope for peace, Picasso happily complied with the old man's request. In 1950, Picasso modified the oil painting and let the pigeon carry a bunch of olive branches.
What really gave this pigeon its reputation was Chilean poet Neruda . He named the pigeon in the painting "Peace Dove". "Peace Dove" has since become a symbol of peace and has gained popularity all over the world. recognition of all countries.
Cute pigeons
Compared with other birds, pigeons are not only beautiful, docile, and good at long-distance flying, but they also love their nests.
It is precisely because pigeons have such characteristics that in ancient times there was a communication method such as "flying pigeons delivering messages".
In order to complete the mission given by the owner, the petite homing pigeon can fly over thousands of mountains and rivers, overcome all difficulties and dangers, and then fly back to the owner persistently after completing the mission.
Before and after World War II, humans had a more advanced communication method than "flying pigeons to deliver messages". The function of "passing messages" by carrier pigeons was weakened, but people have not forgotten it.
Many countries have begun to release "peace doves" when holding major events to express their best wishes for world peace. Flying doves is also a way for people to release their mood and express their joy.
"Xiao Yudian" is full of energy and embarks on the journey with his master's expectations.
In the "Ten Thousands of Pigeons Released to Celebrate Return" event, 710 homing pigeons selected from Anhui Province to Hong Kong, including "Raindrops", participated in the "flying competition".
However, there were only 8 pigeons that returned safely to Anhui more than half a month later, including the protagonist of this article, "Raindrop".
From Hong Kong to Anhui, "Yudian" flew a total of about 1,300 kilometers. It was the first homing pigeon to return home in this "Jingxiang", so it became a well-deserved "pigeon star".
Here I would like to explain a few "professional terms" in the "pigeon circle". For example, pigeon lovers and pigeon breeders usually call each other "pigeon fanciers", a pigeon is called "a pigeon", and pigeons The flying competition is called "flying competition".
Anyone who raises pigeons knows that "everything is perfect". In early July every year, homing pigeons will begin to change their feathers. In addition, Anhui and Hong Kong are thousands of miles apart and have different climate conditions. Pigeons are released in Hong Kong at this time. Very inappropriate.
However, pigeon owners, including Shao Qingwei from Hefei, Anhui Province, still took their beloved pigeons to the flying event without hesitation.
Why do they do this? The reason is actually very simple and touching, that is: Let them participate in the celebration of Hong Kong's return to the motherland. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, even if it takes a little risk. value!
Before "YuDian" was about to leave for Hong Kong, Shao Qingwei conducted pre-release training for "YuDian". Because Hong Kong is much hotter and rainier than Hefei, Shao Qingwei wanted to improve "YuDian"'s physical fitness as much as possible in a short period of time, and Strengthen its ability to adapt to unfamiliar environments.
Released pigeons
Compared with other homing pigeons, "Raindrop" is smaller in size. It is also quieter and more nest-loving than other pigeons. When other pigeons are walking, fighting, and playing, "Raindrop" usually Stay in the cage and "retreat" or rest alone on the perch.
However, "YuDian"'s comprehensive ability is not bad at all. In previous "flying competition" activities, "YuDian" has come out on top more than once, and has always made his master proud.
Every time he is released, "YuDiao" shows excellent competitive condition. In order to return home as soon as possible, "YuDiao" will fly forward at all costs in the direction of home. There are many heroes who "will not stop until they enter home" spirit.
Regarding this trip to Hong Kong for flying, Shao Qingwei is still a little worried about "YuDian". He is worried that the climate environment in Hong Kong is not good for "YuDian" and is afraid of affecting "YuDian"'s "flying" performance;
Shao Qingwei has another They are worried that if there is bad weather, "Raindrop" may get lost, get sick, or even lose his life on the way back to Anhui.
Therefore, in the two days before "YuDian" left for Hong Kong, Shao Qingwei, in addition to "improved food" for it, also ingeniously added a training content to "YuDian" - hatching pigeon eggs .
If "improving food" is to increase nutrition for "YuDiao", letting "YuDiao" hatch pigeon eggs is to enhance its attachment to "home".
Shao Qingwei took it for granted that doing so was tantamount to reminding "Raindrops": The pigeon eggs "at home" are still waiting for you to come back and hatch. You must remember to come back soon!
Shao Qingwei's idea is that regardless of whether "Raindrop" can understand his own thoughts, this will definitely have some effect.
On the evening of June 25, 1997, Shao Qingwei once again "dressed up" "Yu Drop". Then, Shao Qingwei, who was in a complicated mood, carried the pigeon cage and sent his beloved little "Yu Drop" to the meeting point at the stadium in the old city.
Early the next morning, little "Yu Dian" and more than 700 other friends were put on the train from Hefei to Guangzhou, and set off with the hearts of the people of Anhui.
The People's Liberation Army stationed in Hong Kong
"Raindrop" stopped in Guangzhou and was then sent to Shenzhen, just across the river from Hong Kong. There, "Raindrop" joined more than 10,000 homing pigeons from all provinces, cities and autonomous regions across the country. Together.
One day later, relevant personnel divided more than 10,000 homing pigeons sent from all over the country into several groups. Most of them will be sent to Hong Kong for release. Only a small number of homing pigeons stayed in Shenzhen.
The group where "Raindrop" belongs has a total of 1,997 pigeons. They are the best products carefully selected from more than 10,000 pigeons. The "Raindrop" group will be sent to the Sha Tin District Stadium in Hong Kong to participate in the release event that will be held on July 1.
released
On the morning of July 1, 1997, before 5 o'clock, the stadium in Sha Tin District, Hong Kong was already crowded and lively.
At this time, Hong Kong, a wanderer who has been wandering for more than a hundred years, has just returned to the embrace of his motherland. Five hours ago, the flag of Hong Kong and Britain was flying here. Now, the five-star red flag is flying high here.
At around 90 a.m., the "Hong Kong Dove Release Event to Celebrate the Return of Hong Kong" officially started here. Hong Kong citizens holding red flags came to the stadium one after another. The bright red flags rendered the entire stadium into a sea of red. .
On the right side of the rostrum, pigeon cages are arranged neatly. Soon, "Little Raindrop" will "make a shining debut" together with the other 1996 pigeons.
Hong Kong citizens welcome the People's Liberation Army
At this time, "Little Raindrop" and its friends seemed very calm. They had long been accustomed to such lively scenes, so they were not in a hurry or impatient.
However, the owners who were temporarily responsible for "serving" them seemed a little nervous. Wen Yehua, secretary-general of the Anhui Provincial Pigeon Association, was one of them.
After getting up early in the morning, Wen Yehua went straight to the stadium. After carefully checking the conditions of the "baby pigeons", Wen Yehua began to feed and add water to the "baby pigeons" from Anhui.
Other owners of "baby pigeons" also came to the stadium one after another. Like Wen Yehua, they took out the "baby pigeons"'s favorite food and "served" them to enjoy their first delicious meal after Hong Kong returned to the motherland.
Since it was raining in Hong Kong in the morning, the organizers of the flying event could only postpone the flying time. Therefore, the whole morning became the time for Hong Kong citizens to watch the "pigeon show".
With enthusiastic Hong Kong citizens watching, "Little Raindrop" and its friends stole the show. Some bold, "outgoing" "baby pigeons" even started to interact with Hong Kong children.
Only "Raindrop" is still so calm and quiet. It seems to be less enthusiastic and even a little indifferent to the people outside the pigeon cage.
A Hong Kong citizen reminded Wen Yehua, "Is there something wrong with this pigeon? Is it sick?"
Wen Yehua was not worried about this at all. When he came to Hong Kong, Shao Qingwei handed the "raindrop" to Wen Yehua. On the hand, I introduced to Wen Yehua the "character characteristics" of "YuDian". He is not gregarious and likes to be quiet. This is the typical style of "YuDian".
Hong Kong pigeon release scene
At 1:30 pm, the sky began to clear up, and the pigeon release ceremony finally officially started at the Sha Tin District Stadium in Hong Kong.
As the host of the event issued the "flying order", Wen Yehua and other "pigeon owners" opened hundreds of pigeon cages at the same time. 1,997 "baby pigeons" from all over the country rushed out of the cages and flew into the sky with fluttering wings.
Suddenly, a colorful cloud rose over the Shatin Stadium. Amid the thunderous applause of Hong Kong citizens and the cheers of the children, all 1,997 homing pigeons took to the sky.
People were delighted to see that some of the 1997 pigeons were in groups, some were in rows, and some were "alone" (such as "little raindrops"). The flying height of the pigeons was There are also subtle differences in their flying postures.
The only thing that is completely consistent is that all the pigeons are soaring towards the north. Their scrambling postures made many Hong Kong citizens sigh with emotion.
One Hong Kong citizen expressed his gratitude to the pigeons in his arms. The child said: "The little pigeons are going home, their homes are all in the north. "
" Hong Kong also went home today, our hometown is also in the north! ”
Returning
God seemed to be testing the will of the “baby pigeons”. An hour after the pigeons were released from the Shatin Stadium, light rain began to fall from the sky. After a while, the light rain turned into heavy rain.
followed closely , it also rained heavily in the areas where the pigeons passed home. Starting from July 1st, it rained continuously for many days in this area.
This is what the organizers of the release event and the owners of the "baby pigeons" are most worried about. Bad weather will become the most difficult enemy for the "baby pigeons" to deal with on their way home, and they will undergo a severe test!
Hong Kong citizens welcome the return
Can the "raindrops" still get home safely?
In Hefei, Anhui, Shao Qingwei, the owner of the "Raindrop", was very anxious. For several days, Shao Qingwei could hardly think about food or food and was restless. In addition to listening to the weather forecast again and again, Shao Qingwei could only pray silently and look forward to his " "Xiao Yudian" turns danger into good luck and returns to you safely as soon as possible.
In the long, helpless wait, Shao Qingwei suffered for fourteen days. His beard had grown, and Shao Qingwei was too lazy to shave. He was hungry, and Shao Qingwei was too lazy to light a fire to cook. He just ate a few bites of instant noodles and passed away.
Even when he was working in the company, Shao Qingwei was still absent-minded. His heart was all tied to "YuDiao", and "YuDiao"'s safety was what he cared about most.
Until the morning of July 15 (that is, the fifteenth day after "YuDian" took off from Hong Kong), Shao Qingwei was unable to get any news about "YuDian".
At 5:20 pm that day, Shao Qingwei returned home with a tired face. As soon as he entered the house, Shao Qingwei heard the sound of pigeons playing on the balcony.
"The pigeons must be fighting again", this is a voice that Shao Qingwei is very familiar with. Since "Raindrop" went to Hong Kong, whenever such a sound comes from the balcony, Shao Qingwei will immediately run to the balcony to give the conflicting pigeons a fight. "Mediating conflicts."
This time, Shao Qingwei was going to be the "peacemaker" for the pigeons again, but when he walked to the balcony, he stayed there for a while.
I saw "YuDian" engaged in a "pigeon cage defense battle". It turned out that since "YuDian" left, a pigeon occupied the territory of "YuDian". At this time, "YuDian" successfully returned home after many hardships. "It is fighting with the "occupiers". It pecks with its beak and flaps with its wings, trying every means to drive away the "invaders".
When Shao Qingwei saw "YuDiao" returning safely, he couldn't help but hugged "YuDiao". With excitement, this dignified seven-foot man burst into tears.
Hong Kong has returned, and "YuDian" has finally returned safely. Shao Qingwei's "YuDian" has become the "first pigeon" released to return. As of 1:30 pm on July 21, 7 more pigeons have returned home safely one after another. .
Finally, let’s talk about the other group of friends in “Raindrop”.
As mentioned earlier, there were more than 10,000 homing pigeons participating in the "Welcome the Return" release event across the country. Most of them were sent to Hong Kong before the Handover Day and were released in Hong Kong. Only a small homing pigeon was left behind. to Shenzhen.
The remaining batch of homing pigeons will be released at 6:00 on July 1, 1997, at the Huanggang Port in Shenzhen.
At 6:00 on July 1, 1997, the military vehicle of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison began to cross the dividing line. This was also the time scheduled to release homing pigeons.
The People's Liberation Army entered Hong Kong in the rain.
However, the heavy rain poured down at this time. Farewell to the troops stationed in Hong Kong, the people saw the People's Liberation Army soldiers standing proudly on the open-top truck. Although the whole body was soaked, he still maintained a tall and straight military posture, and his majesty was not diminished at all.
In comparison, those homing pigeons were not so majestic. Under the pouring rain, each homing pigeon was soaked by the heavy rain in an instant. Even so, the staff responsible for the release still released the homing pigeons as planned. The entire release work It was completely synchronized and coordinated with the People's Liberation Army's entry into Hong Kong.
I have to say that this group of homing pigeons is not as lucky as "Raindrops". At least, "Raindrops" were released in clear skies without rain. of.
Most of them may never return home, but, as a "pigeon fancier" said:
The return of Hong Kong is a global It is a great event, blessing and joy for the Chinese people. Being able to participate in this event, even if the carrier pigeons take some risks, even if they never come back!
On the occasion of celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, let us pay tribute to the heroic “baby pigeons” of that year and pay tribute to them. The owner expresses his sincere respect.
