I am particularly pleased to submit a message for the illustrative book of the next exhibition “Peace and Harmony – The Divine Spectra of China's Fragrant Harbour, with 108 Aloes of Sacred Scripture and Related Artifacts”, as it is a celebration of one of nature's supreme soothing agents and of its relationship with culture and religions worldwide.

“You are my private garden, my treasure, my bride, a secluded spring, a hidden fountain. Your thighs shelter a paradise of pomegranates with rare spices — henna with nard, and saffron, fragrant calamus and cinnamon, with all the trees of frankincense, myrrh, and aloes, and every other lovely spice”. (From the Song of Solomon 4:14)

No better words than those in the Ancient Scriptures could express the magical role played by scents, herbs, spices and plants in human history to relieve health discomforts and soul pain. And from time unmemorable Aloe, a cure-all genus comprising about 400 species of plants, is THE panacea par excellence.

The powerful regenerative properties of this plant have been used throughout history by cultures diverse as the ancient Egyptians, the Romans and Native Americans, and in many countries across Asia, in particular China and the Middle East.

Like China, Italy too has used herbs and plants extensively in medicine. Herbal remedies were already very popular at the time of the Roman Empire (sometimes, unfortunately, even to poison political opponents!) and centuries later, despite much of this ancient knowledge had been lost, Italy was home to the first standardized dosage of herbal ingredients. During the Middle Ages, while barbarians ravaged the European continent, monks in Italy and other European countries grew medicinal herbs and preserved the ancient traditions. Special mention goes to the famous "Benedictine", a liquor of extraordinary origins distilled in 1510 by the Venetian Benedectine monk Bernardo Vincelli in Normandie, France. Containing 27 herbs, plants and spices, including aloe, the "Benedictine" was considered a health elixir and today is still used in many renowned drinks and cocktails.

Finally, I would like to congratulate the HKSAR Government Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Chinese World Cultural Heritage Foundation. I am particularly thankful to Mr. Paul Kan, Chair of Champion Technology Group, for his passion for history, culture and the promotion of peace and harmony through topics of common interest for humankind and for bringing this exhibition to all of us. Thus, Aloe invigorating scent will soon be embraced by the Fragrant Harbour!