Hong Kong - A curse that made 2003 the worst year in memory for Hong Kong has been lifted and the city can look forward to a happier new year; at least that's what a traditional fortune-telling ritual predicted on Friday.
Each year a government official presides over the drawing of a numbered fortune-stick at the city's 300-year-old Che Kung Temple.
Traditionalists believe the outcome has a bearing on the entire city's fortunes.
Last year they were proved right when home affairs minister Patrick Ho picked the number 83 stick - the most unlucky number according to Chinese custom and one that is believed to curse the drawer.
Continues Below ↓
There followed 12 months of crises in which Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome killed 299 people and decimated the economy, and unprecedented political protests left the government in turmoil.
In a bid to avoid plunging the city into further despair, Ho declined to do the honours this year, and instead Liberal Party legislator Lau Wong-fat stepped in.
Amid modest fanfare and much apprehension outside the temple, Lau shook the cup of sticks and drew the number 76.
Inauspicious in itself, there were sighs among onlookers and temple-goers that at least he hadn't picked an unlucky number.
"The pressure is off," Lau was quoted as saying by local radio, referring to the previous year's draw. - Sapa-AFP
|
StumbleUpon
Reddit
Digg
Delicious
Newsvine
Facebook
muti
Twitter
