It has been a tradition in our home for the past many years to place offerings to the deities at the altar on Chinese New Year's eve. This tradition is called "tek nee" in Hokkien. If I'm not mistaken, this is done to ensure a plentiful and prosperous transition from the old year to the new! Mum always made sure that all the offerings with "auspicious" meanings are used such as pineapple, oranges, "ti kueh" (kueh bakul), "huat kueh" (pink rice flour cakes), bottle gourds and small pumpkins. This year, however, I have decided to simplify things and used only oranges, "ti kueh" and "huat kueh" - all of which signify good luck and good fortune. These offerings, by the way, are not removed until after Chap Goh Meh (the 15th day of the new year).
Temples of course have more elaborate offerings (see pictures below) and they often spend a long time painstakingly preparing them. The result is beautifully arranged and decorated fruits and flowers which will undoubtedly please all the gods!
Temples of course have more elaborate offerings (see pictures below) and they often spend a long time painstakingly preparing them. The result is beautifully arranged and decorated fruits and flowers which will undoubtedly please all the gods!
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