Here are some photos from one of the largest temples in Hong Kong, Wong Tai Sin. These were taken on January 19 which is about 3 days before the start of the Lunar New Year. Around town, every thing is done up in red and gold. Both colors are symbolic of wealth and prosperity.
This year is the Year of the Dragon. There are 12 symbols of the Chinese zodiac. The Dragon, the Rabbit, the Horse, the Snake, the Rat (Julie's symbol), the Ox (Albert and Sydney's sign), the Tiger, the Goat, the Monkey, the Rooster, the Dog (Alex's sign) and the Pig. They rotate from year to year so obviously, the next Year of the Dragon will be 2024. According to ancient Chinese folk lore, these animals were the only ones to appear before Lord Buddha when summoned. Of these, the Dragon is the only mythical creature and the only one who can fly.
The Chinese zodiac also doesn't cycle on the traditional Gregorian calendar, but instead, uses dates from the
Lunisolar calendar. Don't ask me to explain, just click the link for the definition.
At the temple, there are lots of people praying and doing other things to help them and their families prosper in the new year. In one section, they use Kau Cim sticks. The idea is that, while kneeling, you ask the gods a question and then shake the can until one of the numbered sticks falls out. You then record the number and take it to one of the fortune tellers and they will interpret it for you.
Lots of incense and lots of fruit too. Pretty interesting traditions that I can only assume have been around for quite a long time. For this many people to partake, I guess there may be something to it.
Hope you enjoy the photos and feel free to comment.
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Don't know who this guy is but he looks mean. Also he looks mad
since he seems to flippin the bird! |
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| The Ox |
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| The Rat |
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| The Dog |
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| More of the Zodiac animals |
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| Entrance to one of the temples |
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| Lighting incense |
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| Add caption |
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| I like the golden animals |
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| Can you smell the incense? |
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| Worshippers |
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| Using the Kau Cim sticks |
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| Yin and Yang in bushes. |
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| Part of the gardens |
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| The temple is situated about a 5 minute walk from the train station. It also sits right in the middle of a typical high rise housing area. |
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| Mad photography skillz. |
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| Note the wires to keep the ducks and such out. |
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| Obviously not part of the temple. This is however, the view from the highest bar in the world. The place is called appropriately enough, Ozone. 118 floors above the city. |
