BY OUR FOREIGN DESK
IT was supposed to be a moment of divine favor—but it turned into a right royal mess for Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te.
The Taiwanese leader was left reaching for the dry cleaners yesterday after the Chairman of the country’s State Temple turned him into a human splash zone.
President Lai was in the middle of a high-profile traditional ceremony, handing out “lucky bags” filled with snacks and treats to eager crowds.
But the atmosphere turned from festive to foul in a split second when the Temple’s top official suddenly lost his lunch.
Witnesses watched in horror as the Chairman projectile vomited directly onto the President, drenching the stunned leader in front of cameras and VIPs.
”It was like a scene from The Exorcist,” said one shocked onlooker.
“One minute they were sharing a blessing, the next the President was wearing the Chairman’s breakfast.”
Security details scrambled to shield the President, who was seen trying to maintain his composure while covered in the unexpected “gift.”
While the lucky bags usually contain snacks and crackers, the Chairman clearly had something a bit more liquid on the menu.
The President’s office has yet to comment on whether the soiled suit will be burned or simply double-washed, but it’s safe to say this is one traditional event Lai Ching-te won’t be forgetting in a hurry.
The “Lucky Bag” Tradition
In Taiwanese culture, the distribution of “lucky bags” (often called fukubukuro or red envelopes depending on the specific festival) is a vital political and religious ritual.
The Goal: Leaders and temple officials hand these out to the public to spread “good fortune” and prosperity for the coming year.
The Contents: Usually, they contain small coins, traditional snacks, or charms.
The Significance: For a President, these events are crucial photo opportunities to show they are “in touch” with the people and have the backing of the gods.
Unfortunately for President Lai, the only thing “down to earth” about this year’s ceremony was the Temple Chairman’s stomach contents.
