GEORGE TOWN: The Hokkien Taoist community thronged markets here to
buy various items and offerings as they prepared for
the Thnee Kong Seh (Jade Emperor's birthday)
celebration.
Among the items which sold like hot cakes were the ngor
siew th'ng (pink pagoda-shaped candy), bit
chien (skewered sweets), bee
koe (sweet glutinous rice) and
pineapple-shaped thnee kong kim (gold for the
God of Heaven).
Also popular was the thnee kong poh (offerings
folded in gold-coloured paper for the Jade Emperor).
A must were sugar
cane stalks, which play a significant role in the festival because
the Hokkiens believe that their ancestors from Fujian province in
China survived persecution from Sung Dynasty soldiers by hiding in
a sugar cane plantation for nine days during Chinese New Year. They
emerged unharmed on the Jade Emperor's birthday and believed that
they were protected by the god.
At the Chowrasta Market yesterday, sugar cane seller Tan Weng Chaw,
56, said that he sold more than 200 long leafy stalks.
“The figure is more or less the same compared to previous years,”
he said, adding that each stalk costs between RM5 and RM6.
Also enjoying brisk business was Ong Jeng Teik, 60, who sold some
40ngor siew th'ng within a few hours. He sells the
pagoda-shaped candy for between RM10 and RM12 a packet.
“Customers like to buy the candy and glutinous rice to mark the
Jade Emperor's birthday,” Ong said.
Devotees were also seen looking for giant-sized thnee kong
poh at shops in Carnavon Street.
Trader A.L. Chan, who has been selling prayer items for more than
10 years, said the locally made offerings in gold-coloured paper
were popular among the Hokkiens.
Although the Jade
Emperor's birthday falls on the ninth day of Chinese New Year
tomorrow, the grand celebration will kick off
tonight.
Devotees will set up altars and offer various prayer items and food
to honour the Jade Emperor.
A focal point of the celebration here is Thni Kong
Tnua (Jade Emperor Temple) at the foot of Penang Hill,
where thousands of devotees usually pay homage to the deity.
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2013/2/17/nation/12722835&sec=nation
8th/9th Day of CNY Celebration (17 & 18 Feb
2013)
The birthday
celebration for the Jade Emperor (Tian Gong) is perhaps the most
important religious celebration for the Hokkien Chinese. The
celebrations are conducted in accordance to Taoist rituals from
evening of the 8th Day to the 9th day of CNY. P
rayers commences at 10pm
on 17 Feband again from 9am to
5pm on 18 Feb. Visitors can expect an interesting ritual,
colourful set-up and traditional prayer items.
Other highlights include:
a. 'THK Celebration - Tian Gong
Dan 2013' by Lex entertainment at 8pm (17 Feb)
read
more
Offering Items:
1. Offering Pack: Fuwu - $10
2. Fortune Buckets -
$188 (Order
From)
http://www.thianhockkeng.com.sg/events_2013_cny.html