"Turn your luck around with the Snake Year!", "Smooth work, peaceful home!", "May I find my soulmate!" On the second day of the Lunar New Year, also known as the "Che Kung Festival," thousands of worshippers gathered at Che Kung Temple yesterday (Jan. 30) to pray, draw divination sticks, and seek blessings for good fortune. Many also struck the ceremonial drum to "check in" with General Che Kung. After worshipping, visitors often purchased windmills as symbolic tokens of continuous good luck for the year. By 6 p.m., the temple had welcomed a total of 36,728 visitors.
Divination Stick Drawn for Hong Kong's Future
On this traditional occasion, Chairman of New Territories Heung Yee Kuk, Kenneth LAU Ip-keung followed custom by visiting Che Kung Temple to pray for Hong Kong and drew the No. 24 divination stick. The message stated:
"If you act with a clear conscience, greed will not lead to trouble. With the help of noble people, your efforts will not be wasted."
Explaining the divination stick to reporters, Lau said it indicates that Hong Kong needs to act responsibly, avoid greed, and focus on practical actions. He emphasized the importance of support from "noble people" and the nation's backing. Lau also highlighted the upcoming Budget, urging the government to make practical decisions amidst a significant deficit. He advised balancing spending and revenue while ensuring economic growth, especially with the rising cost of living.
Lau remarked that the Snake Year symbolizes agility, intelligence, and adaptability, making it a time to face challenges with resourcefulness. He hoped the budget would address the needs of the middle class and grassroots communities, allocate resources wisely, and focus on meaningful economic development rather than superficial measures.
Mixed Fortune for Communities
Shatin Rural Committee Chairman Mok Kam-kwai drew the No. 82 divination stick, which was interpreted as a less favorable sign. The message read:
"Day after day, you reflect and worry; decisions are hard to make when fortune is unfavorable. Progress and retreat are uncertain, beware of potential misfortune."
The explanation advised caution and prudence in all matters.
Worshippers Share Their Hopes
Throughout the day, Che Kung Temple was bustling with activity. Worshippers prayed for health, career success, and global peace. Seniors wished for good health and smooth lives for their children, while young couples expressed hopes of "buying a home and leaving behind nano flats." Students prayed for academic success, and others wished for the recovery of the tourism sector and economic growth, with one visitor saying, "I hope the economy improves, and we all prosper." Another added, "May Hong Kong thrive, everyone has jobs, and live in peace and happiness!"
Young visitor Miss Tsang, delighted to have drawn a favorable divination stick, purchased a windmill, hoping for smooth and prosperous days ahead. She also wished for academic progress, good health for her family, and a happy year filled with joy.
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