Make a wish at Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree
Have you made a wish for the New Year? How about doing it in village style in Hong Kong? The Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree is recommended for you if you’d like to try something new. This famous Wishing Tree Hong Kong is located near the Tin Hau Temple in Fong Ma Po Village – one of the villages of Lam Tsuen, Tai Po in the New Territories.
Every Lunar New Year after the Tin Hau Temple worship, villagers burn joss sticks and write down their wishes on joss paper tied to an orange. Then, they close their eyes, make wishes sincerely and throw the paper onto Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees. If the paper successfully hung on the branch without falling down, it is believed that the wishes will come true.
Little Story of the Wishing Tree Hong Kong
Originally, throwing joss paper onto the Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree was just a custom in the village. The custom was widespread after the broadcast of a TV series in 1998. A lot of tourists went to see the wishing tree. However, as the tree was overloaded, the trunk of it collapsed in 2005. At present, the Hong Kong Wishing Tree is the third generation. They are actually two banyan trees.
Afterwards, the authorities have banned people from throwing joss paper on the trunk. Instead, wooden racks are set up for hanging the joss paper. In 2008, the tree was recovered. At the same time, the village office spent millions of dollars to build supporting facilities, include the building of the Wishing Stone and the Wishing Square. Since then, light-weight plastic oranges with placards have been used so as to conserve Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees.
Unique Hong Kong Well-Wishing Festival
In recent years, Lam Tsuen villagers have started to organize the Hong Kong Well-Wishing Festival which attracts many local and overseas tourists. Below are programme highlights:
1) Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree joss paper throwing
Just follow the same steps described above. The joss paper and orange set is prepared, so you don’t need to tie it up yourself. Don’t worry. You can buy them at the stalls there.