The strong first flame bursting from the incense urn during the Chneah Hoay ceremony. — Photos: CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
PENANG is expected to experience robust economic growth in the first quarter of the year, with the subsequent months recording moderate performances.
This was the prediction of the Cheng Chooi Chor Soo Kong deity of the 214-year-old Hock Hin Keong (Ban Ka Lan Snake Temple) in Bayan Lepas during the annual Chneah Hoay or flame-watching ceremony.
Clipboard07cxCheng Hoe Seah Association chairman Teoh Hock Guan said three flames were ignited within minutes of each other.
“The first flame was bright and strong, signifying an exceptional first quarter, but the second flame was ‘normal’ which indicates a slowdown in economic growth,” said Teoh after the ceremony.
However, he said the last quarter was predicted to be flat as the third flame was weak.
Teoh said based on these predictions, people should act wisely and accordingly.
The annual tradition, which was never cancelled even during the Covid-19 pandemic (held privately within the committee), reads the deity’s divination based on the stability, brightness and strength of three bursts of flames in the incense urn, each representing a four-month cycle of the year.
A huge crowd, which included foreign tourists and locals, began to arrive at the temple as early as 7pm to witness the ceremony which is part of Chinese New Year festivities.
They watched lion and dragon dances while drum beats and firecrackers echoed through the night right up to the flame-watching ceremony, which started at 11.30pm.
Ravi enjoying the festivities with his wife and daughter.
Among the onlookers were Indian expatriate engineer from a multinational company, Ravi Sahadev, 34, his wife and daughter.
“This is the second time I am here to join the celebration,” said Ravi.
“Both my wife and daughter like the lion and dragon dances and of course, the fireworks too.
“We don’t have these kinds of celebrations in India.”
A Polish couple who wished to be known only as Marcin, 41, and Joanna, 33, came on a motorcycle from Batu Ferringhi to join in the festivities.
“We are tired because we left early in the morning to visit several places but we are enjoying ourselves.
“Our friend said the Chinese New Year festivities in Penang are something special.
“Both of us were supposed to go to Langkawi but we have postponed the trip to witness the celebration here,” said Marcin.
Penang Chinese Clan Council executive adviser and Hokkien Kongsi public officer Datuk Tan Lye Hock said there were about 5,000 people joining the celebration.
“We are the only temple in the country that has a snake dance during Chinese New Year festivities,” he said.
Chingay, warrior drum and Chinese acrobatics were also performed along with a magic show.
Adding to the cheer were food stalls, art and craft stalls and an exhibition of Chinese temples and organisations.
The temple was built for Master Choo Sor Kong, a Chinese Buddhist monk who lived during the Song Dynasty (960-1279).
He was worshipped after dying due to his lifetime of good deeds and was given the title “Chor Soo”, meaning eminent historic figure.
According to a legend, the deity gave shelter to snakes from a nearby jungle and when the temple was completed, the snakes moved in and were regarded as protectors.
The celebration culminated with a dazzling display of fireworks.
Also enjoying the festivities were Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai and Penang social development, welfare and non-Islamic religious affairs committee chairman Lim Siew Khim.
