Hong Kong crowds flock to Tai Po wishing tree for Lunar New Year blessings

Local residents and tourists flocked to the wishing tree in Tai Po on the first day of the Lunar New Year to pray for good health, happiness and prosperity for Hong Kong.Despite intermittent showers and temperatures of around 18 degrees Celsius (64 Fahrenheit) marking the first day of the Lunar New Year, little dampened visitors’ enthusiasm for hanging their wishing placards on the tree.In Hong Kong, it is traditional to write one’s wishes on a card attached to an orange-shaped plastic ball and throw it onto a banyan tree in the village.It is believed that wishes will be granted if the card is successfully hung on a branch of the tree.“Even if it rains, I would still come,” said Wilson Chan, a 62-year-old civil servant who visits the site every Lunar New Year.“As I get older, I wish for my good health.”