Hakka Chinese in Australia


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Buddhism (Mahayana)
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Hakka, although proud of their cultural differences, have never claimed to be non-Chinese. Many famous Chinese have been Hakka, including Deng Xiaoping, Lee Kwan Yew, and Hong Xiuquan (the leader of the Taiping Rebellion).

There is much speculation concerning the historical roots of the Hakka. Some claim that they were the first Chinese people to arrive in China. Others claim that the Hakka are the descendants of the Xiongnu tribe. This much is agreed upon: At various stages between the fourth and thirteenth centuries AD, large numbers of people were forced to flee their homes in the war-torn Yellow River valley to seek refuge in southern China. These war refugees came to be known as Kejia - a Hakka word meaning "strangers" or "guests." When the savage Mongol hordes swept across China in the thirteenth century, many Hakka fled to the south to escape the carnage.

In today’s world, the Hakka are among the Chinese diaspora in many countries including Australia.


What Are Their Lives Like?

There are Hakka Chinese restaurants in Australia, especially in Sydney. Even as Chinese food goes, the Hakka style of cooking is popular.

The Hakka might own restaurants, but they also often own small shops in Australia.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Hakka adhere to traditional Chinese religion. This can include aspects of Daoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Commonly they worship the spirits of their ancestors, believing these spirits can affect their future and their fortune. Therefore, they make offerings and build shrines and altars in their honor. The Hakka depend on spirit healers for some of their needs. In Australia they have more people who identify with Buddhism than in other countries. Yet there is also a strong Evangelical presence among the Hakka Chinese in Australia.


What Are Their Needs?

Hakka Chinese Buddhists in Australia need the chance to hear that Jesus Christ offers life to the full for those who will submit to his lordship.


Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to enable and thrust out loving workers to the Hakka Chinese in Australia.

Pray for the Hakka to have receptive hearts to the things of Christ.

Pray for Hakka church planters to train others to plant more churches and make disciples.


Scripture Prayers for the Han Chinese, Hakka in Australia.


References

https://thehakkacookbook.com/2019/05/14/hakka-food-in-australia/

Operation China, Asia Harvest, Copyrighted © Used with permission


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Han Chinese, Hakka
People Name in Country Han Chinese, Hakka
Natural Name Hakka Chinese
Pronunciation HAH-kah
Alternate Names Han Chinese; Hokka; Ke; Kechia; Kehia; Kejia; Kek; Khek; Majia; Totok; Xinmin
Population this Country 9,300
Population all Countries 44,257,000
Total Countries 23
Indigenous No
Progress Scale 5
Unreached No
Frontier People Group No
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 12054
ROP3 Code 103691
Country Australia
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Australia
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Country Australia
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Australia
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked

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Primary Religion: Buddhism (Mahayana)
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
40.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 12.00 %)
12.00 %
Ethnic Religions
12.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
36.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Chinese, Hakka (9,300 speakers)
Language Code hak   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Chinese, Hakka (9,300 speakers)
Language Code hak   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Chinese, Hakka
Photo Source Copyrighted © 2025  Asia Harvest  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


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