Man Mo Temple in Sheung Wan has reportedly attracted large numbers of young people, particularly recent graduates, who are burning incense and drawing fortune sticks while seeking job offers and reassurance during an uncertain job search, according to Star Headline.
The report said summer is a peak period for recent graduates entering the workforce, but described the job market as subdued and job hunting as difficult for many newcomers. For some visitors, worship was mainly a way to find peace of mind and hope rather than an expression of a deep religious background.
The temple’s popularity has also spread online. Young people have reportedly referred to Man Mo Temple by nicknames including “Offer God” and “the celestial labor office”, although these are not official names. Star Headline attributed the interest partly to social-media posts and peer influence.
Some social-media users have reportedly said they received job offers after praying at the temple. These accounts were presented by the newspaper as part of the discussion around the temple’s popularity, rather than as verified evidence that worship leads to employment.
Star Headline said its reporter observed people visiting the temple to worship and draw fortune sticks despite the hot summer weather. The report did not specify how many young job seekers had visited, the period covered by the observations or how many visitors later received job offers.