In 1949, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce devised a way to rebuild trade and public image of Chinese in Hawaii. The Narcissus Festival was initially tied to the Lunar New Year celebrations due to the narcissus flower being an auspicious symbol of rebirth and good fortune.
It has since grown into a full length festival stretching over the entire Spring season that provides events to the community such as Chinese New Year celebrations in the heart of Chinatown, fashion shows, banquets, and more.
The festival’s purpose is to preserve and showcase Chinese art and culture, while promoting local and international commerce.
All contestants develop personal and professional skills through a rigorous yet fun filled curriculum of cultural classes taught by members of the Chinese community considered to be pillars of knowledge in their respective industries.
The festival culminates in an annual goodwill tour wherein the queen and her court travel to various cities in mainland China and act as cultural ambassadors for the state of Hawai’i.
These women are chosen to be representatives of Hawaii Chinese culture and carry out their duties with poise, intellect, and strong morals throughout their reign.
Watch Video On Being a Contestant in the Narcissus Pageant
NARCISSUS
Festival
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Narcissus Queen Festival & Pageant - Past & Present
Our 74th Narcissus Queen & Court
(L to R) 4th Princess Jasmine Chow; 2nd Princess Yanna Xian; Queen Shuyao Ye; 1st Princess Lovina Abdi; 3rd Princess Bo Glover
74 Narcissus Queen Festivals & Counting!
In 1949, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce devised a way to rebuild trade and public image of Chinese in Hawaii.
The Narcissus Festival was initially tied to the Lunar New Year celebrations due to the narcissus flower being an auspicious symbol of rebirth and good fortune.
It has since grown into a full length festival stretching over the entire spring season that provides events to the community such as Chinese New Year celebrations in the heart of Chinatown, fashion shows, banquets, and more.
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The Narcissus Queen Pageant is an integral part of this festival as it represents a vast legacy of knowledge and preservation of Chinese heritage; applications for this year’s festival are currently being accepted.
Narcissus Queen Contestants cultivate an intimate understanding of Chinese culture through exciting and engaging cultural classes such as Narcissus bulb carving, traditional Chinese cooking, Chinese herbal medicine, lion dance, Kung Fu, and Chinese history classes.
Taught by members of the community considered to be pillars of knowledge in their respective industries, these classes allow these women to have hands on experiences that shape their minds, bodies, and souls with respect to their Chinese heritage.
As this is the 70th anniversary of the festival’s conception, new classes are being added to the contestant’s curriculum that will add invaluable knowledge to their lives.
Are You the Next Narcissus Queen?
Would you like to be a contestant in the Narcissus Pageant? Call the Chamber at (808) 533-3181 to learn about the requirements, as well as the opportunities and rewards of being part of the Pageant and the Narcissus Court!