Birthday of the Jade Emperor

It’s the birthday of the Jade Emperor (“Ti Kong”) again! This occasion is widely celebrated in Penang by the Hokkiens at midnight on the 8^th day of the Chinese New Year and we too were among those who observed it.

We went down to the Pulau Tikus market on the evening of the 7^th day to get some “kueh” for our prayers. Our usual “kueh” seller was already there with lots of “ung koo”, “ung ee”, “bee koe”, “huat kueh” and “mi koo”, all must-have items for praying.

"Ung koo" by the dozen

"Huat kueh" and "Bee koe"

"Mi koo"

I also came across a big pile of sugar cane, ready to be taken home by devotees. Nearby was a stall selling roast pork, another item for praying.

The stalls selling joss sticks and other prayer paraphernalia were also making good business. We bought the “ti kong kim” (gold paper offering) which this year had been folded to represent a lotus when opened up. It was very cleverly done and looked very pretty. Most popular was the golden paper pineapple which symbolizes good luck.

"Ti Kong Kim"

Table of offerings to Ti Kong

Earlier in the morning, we had decorated the Mandarin oranges, pineapple, pomelo and "tgi kueh" with red paper, like we did for “tek nee”. We began the prayers early at around 9 p.m. as Mum could not stay up too late. By 11.00 p.m. we were in bed while other devotees were just starting to set up their altar!

According to legend, the Hokkiens in ancient China had escaped extermination by hiding in a sugar cane plantation and emerged unharmed during midnight of the 8^th day of the Chinese New Year. Hence, the Jade Emperor’s birthday is observed as a form of thanksgiving to him for keeping them safe.

Chinese New Year will end on 17^th February, the 15^th day of the celebrations. After all the exhaustive preparations, I’m sure I’m not the only one to sigh with relief when the festivities are over!