Premier seeks blessings at temples around Taiwan

Taipei--Premier Lin Chuan (??) on Tuesday visited temples around the nation where he prayed to the gods and sought blessings for Taiwan on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year.

Lin visited Hsinkang Mazu Temple in Chiayi County; Fusing Temple in Xiluo Township, Yunlin County; Funing Temple in Yuanlin City, Changhua County; Wanhe Temple and Wenchang Temple in Taichung City.

The fourth day of the Lunar New Year is a day to welcome the gods, Lin said, adding that he prayed for the peace and prosperity of Taiwan and its people.

The premier also handed out red envelopes, a symbol of good fortune, to temple visitors.

It is customary for officials to visit temples during the Lunar New Year holiday.

President Tsai Ing-wen (???) has visited several temples since Saturday, drawing massive crowds keen to receive a lucky red envelope from the first female president of Taiwan.

Chiu Chuang-wen (???), a resident of Taichung, said he waited in line at Fengyuan Tzu Chi Temple in the city from 6 a.m. Monday to receive a red envelop from Tsai, before visiting Wanhe Temple to get a red envelope from Lin.

"I received red envelopes from the president, premier and mayor this year. I've got all the blessings!" Chiu said.

Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel