Stories of the Stream

A village's lifeline is its river. Beyond irrigating the fields, the stream was essential for washing, playing, and even providing food.

Here are a few anecdotes from the Mui Tsz Lam stream in earlier times:

1. Playing in the Water

The stream was once much deeper at the pit head—a small irrigation weir that needed to be cleared regularly to maintain its water capacity. Village children loved playing in the river and would even stack stones to create their own little pools.

2. Washing and Cleaning

The ever-flowing water made the stream an ideal place for washing, whether it was laundry or scrubbing wooden bed boards for the New Year. During festive seasons, chickens and ducks were slaughtered by the river as well; when cleaning the innards, freshwater crabs were often attracted to the scene.

3. Grass-leaved sweet flag

Known as the foremost of the "Five Auspicious Plants" of the Dragon Boat Festival. Its sword-like leaves give off a ginger-like fragrance when scraped. Villagers traditionally used the leaves in baths during the New Year to ward off evil. Scholars in the past especially loved keeping sweet flag in their studies, praising it for thriving without sun, soil, or regard for the seasons—perfect for cultivating calm and character.