Pilgrims have long been attracted to Hong Kong to pray for favours. In response, the Hong Kong Tourism Board has created the "Ultimate Guide To A Prosperous Year Of The Dragon" campaign in collaboration with feng shui master Mak Ling Ling to serve as a handbook, which provides the list of sacred temples and the traditional ways to give prayers to deities.
For instance, the famed Man Mo Temple in Sheung Wan houses the statues of the Civil God (god of literature) and the Martial God (god of martial arts). Office workers can worship the Civil God for career advancement and touch the Man Cheong Writing Brush for good luck.
Business owners can pay homage to the Martial God and touch his sword to pray for success. For academic achievement, students can bring their stationery and pencil case to the altar, and beg the deity to bless for better results.
Hau Wong Temple.
The historic Kwun Yum Temple is located in the Hung Hum community and worshippers can pray to the Goddess of Mercy for prosperity, romantic life and good health. On the 26th day of the first lunar month, visitors can observe the Kwun Yum Treasury Opening Festival. It is believed that on this day, Kwun Yum opens her treasury and lends money to people.
Man Mo Temple.
Situated in Kowloon City, the Hau Wong Temple is home to 60 deities in charge of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs. This year, those born in the Year of the Dragon, Dog, Rabbit and Ox may write their names and dates of birth on a joss paper and ask Tai Sui to protect them from bad luck.
Offering flowers and fruits to the statue of Yuelao with a couple of Golden Boy and Jade Maiden at Wong Tai Sin Temple is one way for people to pray for love and a happy marriage. To complete the ritual, worshippers will touch the feet of Golden Boy or Jade Maiden. According to legend, Yuelao will tie a red thread around the feet of a pair who are destined for marriage.
Upon entering Che Kung Temple, visitors will beat the drum three times and spin the fan-bladed wheel of fortune in a prayer for good luck. Spin the wheel clockwise to maintain the upward trend if you had a prosperous year prior. If not, spin the wheel counterclockwise to spin away the misfortune.
For an extra dose of good fortune, pilgrims can bring a pinwheel home and set it in the southwest or northeast direction which is this year's lucky positions. According to feng shui, a location is associated with water and mountains to attract wealth.
Che Kung Temple
