CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE. THE IDENTITY OF MACAO
This article examines the construction of Macao’s unique cultural identity, characterized by its position at the intersection of Portuguese and Chinese civilizations. Drawing on theoretical frameworks of collective identity and heritage, the author argues that Macao’s "Janus-like" identity is define...
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| Published in: | Review of Culture |
|---|---|
| Main Author: | |
| Format: | Articles |
| Published: |
Instituto Cultural de Macau
October 2002
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.icm.gov.mo/rc/viewer/pdfViewerParts/40004/2693 |
| _version_ | 1877196271455830016 |
|---|---|
| author | Christina Miu Bing Cheng |
| author_autocomplete | Christina Miu Bing Cheng |
| author_browse | Christina Miu Bing Cheng |
| author_facet | Christina Miu Bing Cheng Christina Miu Bing Cheng |
| author_sort | Christina Miu Bing Cheng |
| container_title | Review of Culture |
| container_title_str | Review of Culture |
| container_volume | 4 |
| container_volume_str | 4 |
| description | This article examines the construction of Macao’s unique cultural identity, characterized by its position at the intersection of Portuguese and Chinese civilizations. Drawing on theoretical frameworks of collective identity and heritage, the author argues that Macao’s "Janus-like" identity is defined by a dualistic nature—balancing a Lusitanian aesthetic with Chinese cultural structures. The study explores Macao’s historical evolution since the mid-sixteenth century, highlighting its role as a "religious receptacle" and a strategic bridgehead for the expansion of Christianity in East Asia. Central to this analysis is the city’s transformation into the "Rome of the Far East," with a particular emphasis on the Jesuit-led Cult of Mary and its architectural manifestation in the Façade of the Church of the Mother of God (St. Paul’s). The author contends that Macao’s identity is shaped by the permeability and fluidity of its cultural matrices, where sacred spaces like churches and temples coexist with the profane elements of casinos and brothels. By analyzing the city's seascape, landscape, and monuments, the article concludes that Macao’s cultural significance lies in its ability to reconcile contrasting images into a complex, dialogic social fabric. This hybridity fosters a sense of community and shared destiny that distinguishes Macao as a unique site of historical and cultural convergence. |
| first_indexed | 2026-09-11T02:56:51Z |
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| issn | 1682-1106 |
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| publishDate | October 2002 |
| publishDateRange | 2002 |
| publishDateSort | 2002 |
| publishPlace | Macau |
| publisher | Instituto Cultural de Macau |
| publisherStr | Instituto Cultural de Macau |
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| spelling | CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE. THE IDENTITY OF MACAO This article examines the construction of Macao’s unique cultural identity, characterized by its position at the intersection of Portuguese and Chinese civilizations. Drawing on theoretical frameworks of collective identity and heritage, the author argues that Macao’s "Janus-like" identity is defined by a dualistic nature—balancing a Lusitanian aesthetic with Chinese cultural structures. The study explores Macao’s historical evolution since the mid-sixteenth century, highlighting its role as a "religious receptacle" and a strategic bridgehead for the expansion of Christianity in East Asia. Central to this analysis is the city’s transformation into the "Rome of the Far East," with a particular emphasis on the Jesuit-led Cult of Mary and its architectural manifestation in the Façade of the Church of the Mother of God (St. Paul’s). The author contends that Macao’s identity is shaped by the permeability and fluidity of its cultural matrices, where sacred spaces like churches and temples coexist with the profane elements of casinos and brothels. By analyzing the city's seascape, landscape, and monuments, the article concludes that Macao’s cultural significance lies in its ability to reconcile contrasting images into a complex, dialogic social fabric. This hybridity fosters a sense of community and shared destiny that distinguishes Macao as a unique site of historical and cultural convergence. Instituto Cultural de Macau Macau Review of Culture Articles October 2002 Christina Miu Bing Cheng |
| spellingShingle | CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE. THE IDENTITY OF MACAO Christina Miu Bing Cheng |
| title | CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE. THE IDENTITY OF MACAO |
| title_autocomplete | CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE. THE IDENTITY OF MACAO |
| title_full | CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE. THE IDENTITY OF MACAO |
| title_fullStr | CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE. THE IDENTITY OF MACAO |
| title_full_unstemmed | CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE. THE IDENTITY OF MACAO |
| title_short | CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE. THE IDENTITY OF MACAO |
| title_sort | cultural significance. the identity of macao |
| url | https://www.icm.gov.mo/rc/viewer/pdfViewerParts/40004/2693 |
| zotero_collection_key | 76L3BRGH |