Yesterday was Chinese Valentine’s Day, otherwise known as Yuan Xiao or Shang Yuan. But don’t be disappointed if you didn’t get cards or flowers, that’s not really how it’s done.
Celebrated on the 15th day of the first month of the lunar calendar, the occasion is traditionally marked by farmers who go to the temple to pray for a good year’s harvest. However, nowadays many younger Hongkongers also head out to pray for the future of their relationships, among other important things.
Wong Tai Sin Temple’s accommodation of Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism (plus its claim to make every wish come true), makes it one of the most popular spots in the city at this time of year. Coconuts HK headed down to grab some snaps of the action.
Hongkongers shop for decorations for the Lantern Festival
The shop owner is there to explain what decoration means what
The colourful office of a fortune teller
A cow head bronze statue adorned with a Chinese traditional bouquet
Believers pray to each statue in the temple
A woman prays in front of the God of Wealth temple
Followers believe more incense will result in more blessings
A student donates a bag of fruit to famous monk Wong Tai Sin
The different numbers on these sticks are used to predict the future
Followers kneel to shake their fortune sticks out of bamboo tubes
A young couple prays for the future of their education
Young people write their wishes on the wishing board
Believers touch the bronze statue for luck
Photos: Kei Tam/Coconuts Media
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