28th January 2025 – (Hong Kong) This evening, Hong Kong actress Lana Wong, dressed as the Lady White Snake from Legend of the White Snake, joined throngs of worshippers at Wong Tai Sin Temple for the highly anticipated first incense ritual to welcome the Year of the Snake.
Devotees began queuing as early as 6pm to secure prime positions for offering the first incense at the temple. By 9pm, temple officials opened the gates, allowing worshippers to rush inside to secure their spots for the midnight ritual. Many chose to offer their incense at the traditional “zi shi” hour (11pm), while others opted to wait until the early hours of Lunar New Year’s Day at midnight.
As the clock neared 11pm, temple staff permitted worshippers to approach the incense burner, each holding a single stick of incense. Participants solemnly made their wishes before counting down the final 10 seconds and placing their incense into the burner.
The overwhelming influx of worshippers kept staff busy clearing incense sticks from the burner and ensuring its stability as the crowd surged forward. The ritual, steeped in tradition, symbolises hope for good fortune, health, and prosperity in the coming year.
