Giant coils of burning incense make the air blue inside the Man Mo Temple, while worshippers light more bundles of incense sticks and place them in bronze urns to bring good fortune. The temple, dating from the 1840's, is devoted to MAN, the god of literature and civil servants, and MO, the god of war, whose statues flank the altar. Nearby shops sell combustible offerings like "hell bank notes" and paper VCR's and cars for worshippers to burn in two stoves in the temple to provide comforts for departed family and friends. You can't take it with you, but in Hong Kong your family and friends can send it to you after your death. Cameras are allowed but no flash, please.
Giant coils of burning incense silently drop ash on the floor.
The statue of Man, center, watches as worshippers offer incense, fruit and flowers.
Drawers at Man Mo Temple
