The beginning of each lunar year is particularly auspicious. Therefore, in the early hours of the first day of the first month, faithful from all around Taiwan gather in front of the main Nankunshen temple waiting to squeeze in to be the first to reach the main Kaiji Wuwang censer. In accordance with tradition, the first to do so has the right to insert the first stick of incense of the year into the vessel – a privilege said to guarantee especially good fortune. This promise of special blessings floods Nankunshen’s halls with worshippers. In the interests of safety and avoiding mishaps, temple policy now recognizes every worshipper’s first stick of incense placed in the Kaiji Wuwang censer on the morning of New Year’s day as the ‘first’ of that year.