HONG KONG. SIGHTS OF INTEREST. Man Mo Temple
This temple is one of the oldest and most famous temples in Hong Kong. It was built in 1848 during the early years of British rule. The temple is dedicated to Man, God of Literature, and Mo, God of Martial Valour. It symbolizes the unity of knowledge and power. People pray to the pair of deities in the hope that their children will inherit the wisdom of Man and the strength of Mo.
The temple is still of its original appearance in spite of being rebuilt several times. Images of two Gods, God of Literature holding a writing brush in his hand and God of Martial Valour wearing a green gown and holding a long sword, are enshrined inside the temple. Brass and pewter incense burners, heavy wooden chairs with intricate carvings of Gods’ images make visitors feel the atmosphere of crowded worshippers praying in the temple in the past. Massive coils of incense hang down from the ceiling in the middle hall and burn slowly, fragrant smell permeate the room attracting the Gods’ attention. Occasionally the rhythmic beating of a drum can be heard in the background.
If you want to discover your destiny you are welcome to the fortune-tellers’ stalls which near the temple. You just should shake a bamboo cylinder containing fortune sticks. The number on the first stick to fall out corresponds to a suitably ambiguous written fortune
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