Normality Returns For Lunar New Year Traditions

Hong Kong people were on Sunday making the most of the abolition of most Covid relief measures to take part in tradition Lunar New Year holiday activities.

For the first time in three years, people can throw offerings onto the famous wishing trees outside a temple in Lam Tsuen, Tai Po, to make wishes for the Year of the Rabbit.

Some people said they hoped Covid would soon be gone, and that they would not have to wear a mask any more. Others hoped for a better economy this year.

"I hope the Hong Kong economy will be better than last year. It has been in a halt for a few years. I hope Hong Kong will be prosperous and everyone here will be happy," said a man.

A stall owner who sells offerings said business should be good as there are many more visitors this year, now that most Covid restrictions are lifted.

Overnight, many people headed to the Wong Tai Sin temple to make incense offerings to ring in the Year of Rabbit.

People said they were happy they could actually go to the temple for the ritual, instead of watching the ceremony in a webcast like in the past two years.

Some young people even donned rabbit costumes for the occasion.

An elderly woman said she had first visited the temple to see in the new lunar year as a little girl, and had made a habit of doing so ever since.

"I was 12 and went to the temple holding my dad's hand... I must come here every year," she said.

She says she hopes Covid will soon be a thing of the past and that there will be jobs for everyone this year.