Chinese New Year 2021 - Part II

 

February 21, 2021:  The new year celebration continues!  In fact, I’ll include an additional installment later as there is so much more to tell.

Near Central Hong Kong we discovered this Photo Op scene.  Women are changing into traditional red apparel in preparation for photos.

The dressing room – a small tent.  This woman seems to be wearing a wedding dress.  I don’t recall the significance of white as most of the new year décor and clothing is red and gold.

                  This is just a sampling of the available “costumes” for those posing.

I visited the Wong Tai Sin Temple with several other members of our district.  They limited the numbers of guests entering each hour but it still seemed very crowded.  The village resembles many we’d seen in China.  I noted several similarities between this temple site and Qufu, China – the birthplace of Confucius.  

The ornate sculpted columns are a favorite.  I don't recall the specific meaning of each design but the workmanship is spectacular.

Notice the endless array of baubles and worship items for sale.  Incense is not included here but believe me, there was an over abundance of it for sale and in use.  I assumed the windmill type items (top) were children’s toys.  Wrong!  They shake these as thou bow before the temple with the smell of incense overpowering the entire area.

Although it is the year of the Ox, I was born in the year of the rooster.  And, those crowding around the ox for photos meant I'd not have a moment to pose.

Notice this man carrying his worship ornament.  Sorry, no pictures of the incense burning.  That area was too crowded and I could barely breathe for the endless smoke.

The sculpted concrete tells a complete story.  I liked these in Beijing – this is the first I’ve seen in Hong Kong.

I don’t know what these posters say and what people are writing on them.  They spread through a vast area and countless visitors intently write their messages.

                 At last!  I discovered the entry to this secluded location.  Where were all the visitors?

            The Good Wish Garden provided a calm reprieve from the hectic temple celebrations.

                                   My grandchildren would enjoy these animal sculptures.

The fountains, gardens and bridges created a peaceful atmosphere and hardly a soul entered this treasured location.

The outdoor classroom:  certainly a place of quiet meditation and reflection.  

Every scene in the garden evoked reverence.

Looking towards the temple makes me want to remain in my current peaceful setting.

Several single employees came to floor 10 bearing small candies.  We offer our red pocket (celebration envelopes filled with 20 HK dollars).  It’s a fun tradition and we were grateful to be included by these marvelous single adults.

Rita (from Hungary) and Annie – communications directors, visited us in the afternoon.  These women exude endless joy and laughter and light up any room they enter. 

We also offered red pockets to the children of employees that work closely with us.  I like this Christmas-Halloween activity.  We continue to celebrate the Year of the Ox!