CNY Che Kung Temple

Thursday was the first day of Chinese New Year.   So we went to Che Kung Temple in nearby Tai Wai to see the start of the  celebrations.

"Che Kung Temple is dedicated to Che Kung a general during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279) in ancient China.  He is believed by some worshipers to have been involved in the attempt to keep the Song state alive by bringing Prince Ping and his brother to the South.   The birthday of Che Kung is 2 January in the Chinese lunar calendar".  (wiki link)

The ancient temple buildings you see here are in the Japanese-style and dates back to 1993.  The original temple nearby is 300 years old (and 1/8 the size).

We had planned arrive early, and was already a lively and good natured crowd of worshipers lighting incense and paying respects.

The really huge crowd arrives on the  2nd and 3rd day of CNY when the festival starts (link).   Apparently this is quite a sight.  I noted very long barriers set-up along the roads leading to the temple to control the anticipated queues.

"Believers who are students, they often write down their name and wishes on a praying paper, and stick it onto a board called Jinbang timing board to pray for better academic achievements. To express their respect to Che Kung, believers may donate to the temple. Divination is also practised in Che Kung Temple as a way of fortune-telling." (link)

"Devotees choose to burn incense sticks. Burning incense sticks is a common phenomenon during the festival, because the process of burning incense sticks and the rising smoke symbolizes the appreciation of the devotees to the blessing and protection from Che Kung of the previous year. Devotees would also tell their living problems to Che Kung and hope that he will fulfill their wish. It is believed that their wishes will be carried up to heaven to Che Kung by the smoke of the incense."

"Pinwheels can always be found next to the effigy of Che Kung, and they are regarded as ‘a wheel of fortune’. It is believed that the one who turns the pinwheel will be granted with prosperity and good luck for the entire year."

Naturally we bought Hannah a pinwheel with charms for her health and success at study.