First four months look good, snake temple deity says

The flame that was used to 'read' the economic outlook at the temple

GEORGE TOWN: The economic outlook for the first four months this year is expected to be more encouraging compared to the rest of the year, according to the resident deity of the Snake Temple in Bayan Lepas.

Cheng Hoe Seah Association honorary secretary Yeoh Chin Eng said the business and economic outlook were reflected in the ‘strength’ and ‘energy’ of the fire as predicted by the temple’s Chor Soo Kong deity during the Chneah Hoay (flame-watching) ceremony.

He said the height of the first fire was a sign that the first four months would be good.

“The height of the second and third fire, which represent the middle and end of the year, came to about the same height at nine inches (22.8cm).

“The first four months is the period in which businessmen should expand their businesses,” Yeoh said after the ceremony on Friday night.

Devotees and visitors had flocked to the temple with offerings in anticipation of the ceremony which took place close to midnight.

The annual ceremony was held in honour of the Chor Soo Kong’s birthday on the sixth day of the first lunar month.

The event started with a bang as performers, dressed as monkey suits, dished out a drum performance for 10 minutes in conjunction with the Year of Monkey.

It was followed by cultural dances and performances which entertained the crowd throughout the evening.

Visitors also feasted on the local hawker fare lining the street.

Tanjong MP Ng Wei Aik, who represented Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, said the event was one of the notable temple fairs in the state.

Present was state Religious Affairs, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Malik Abul Kassim.