Tree worshipping is popular throughout China. It is evidenced by the reluctance of the people to cut down trees in the neighbourhood of temples and graves. Also, shrine to some local god is often placed at the roots or in the fork of a tree remarkable for its size and beauty. It is believed that the soul of god resides in the tree, which is therefore held to be sacred, and if anyone digs it up or cuts it down, they are liable to die !
For the tree at Lam Tsuen, people have special way to entreat. They will try to throw some small pieces of red or yellow clothes (sometimes bags of ingots or paper offerings), up to the tree. If these clothes or plastic bags remain hanging on the branches, their wishes will come true.
To cater for both nature conservation and traditional wish-making practice, Tai Po District Office installed Chinese-style wooden racks next to the Wishing Trees to encourage visitors tying wish-making papers onto the wooden racks.
The wishing tree, now is prohibited to throw any clothes up to the tree since 2003.
Wooden racks
by Wendy
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