Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu wishes Hong Kong to have a bright future and for people to have good health in hisYear of the Dragon message during a visit to Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree in Tai Po.
And perhaps in a sign of things to come, the card on which Lee wrote his wish caught a branch of the Wishing Tree on his first throw - and stayed there.
During the visit, Lee and Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen shared poon choi, a popular dish during the winter season,with about 100 senior citizens.
Lee said a 90-year-old woman encouraged him to keep up the good work, and he responded he would be happy to see smiles on the faces of the elderly.
In his speech, Lee said the dragon symbolizes good fortune and vitality, and he has great confidence in the Year of the Dragon, which begins on Saturday.
In a placard, he wrote in Chinese: "Wishing for a prosperous Hong Kong and good health for citizens." He then threw it onto the Wishing Tree - and it stayed there. It is believed if the placard does not fall, the wish will come true.
"I believe that everyone wants to throw a fortune card onto the tree when we come to Lam Tsuen, to wish that the coming year will be better," Lee said.
"I believe it will be more wonderful at night because there will be glowing fortune cards. This will bring joy, warmth and blessings for everyone."
While having poon choi with the elderly at the recreation center in the village, Lee said: "I'm here hoping to chat with you, so that I can understand more about your life in Lam Tsuen, and your expectations for various aspects of government work."
He also said he and senior officials would visit various districts before Saturday, conducting home visits while distributing gift packs and offering care and support. This shows that the government attaches importance to foster care and inclusiveness in all 18 districts and improving living environment, he added.
As part of the Day x Night Vibes @18 Districts initiative, activities will take place around the holidays in Lam Tsuen. These include the seven-day Lam Tsuen Wishing Night Market that started yesterday.
It features a first-of-its-kind glowing Wishing Tree. Illuminated plastic oranges will be available for purchase at HK$60 each, with several lit photo spots available.
Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree Plaza chairman Gilvig Cheng Lun-kwong said they prepared 25,000 illuminated oranges, and expects 20,000 to 30,000 visitors during the seven-day event, anticipating a 20 percent increase on previous years.
Carnival games, snacks, agricultural and fishery products will be featured at the night market, including local vegetables from the Hong Kong Fisherman Consortium, and milk products from City University of Hong Kong.
Mak hopes the initiative, which runs until the middle of this year, will encourage citizens to shop and overseas visitors to experience the festive atmosphere.
stacy.shi@singtaonewscorp.com
