A Spring Festival blessing ceremony is held at the Family Temple of Confucius in Quzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Tide News]

The Family Temple of Confucius in Quzhou, Zhejiang province, a part of the Quzhou Ancient City Cultural Tourism Zone, hosted the Spring Festival blessing ceremony on Feb 21, attracting a record number of participants.

The Family Temple of Confucius in Quzhou has held the Spring Festival blessing ceremony every year since 2019.

At 9 am, a long line formed at the entrance of the temple, and nearly a thousand people of all ages gathered in the courtyard in front of the Dacheng Hall.

The ceremony commenced at 9:28 am. Under the guidance of the master of ceremonies, children dressed in festive attire presented offerings of grains, flower baskets, and the "Four Treasures of the Study" — a traditional term referring to the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone — to Confucius, symbolizing prosperity and the passing down of traditional culture.

Participants then performed a traditional bowing ritual and struck the drum three times, praying for lofty aspirations, fulfilled wishes, and academic success.

Temple staff members also passed out gifts featuring auspicious symbols for the Year of the Horse to eager visitors.