At his home in Setia Alam, Shah Alam, Selangor, Hokkien Cris Tee, 34, sets alight sugarcane to symbolise the burning away of past misfortunes and to welcome blessings. — Photos: IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
IN THE Hokkien community, the Jade Emperor’s birthday, also known as Pai Thnee Kong, is a significant cultural and spiritual event.
Held on the ninth day of the Chinese New Year, this festival traces back to a legend of survival in which the ancestors of today’s Hokkiens were saved from peril by the celestial Jade Emperor.
As the community gathers each year to pay homage to the Jade Emperor, roasted meats and sweet offerings such as fruits and cakes are prepared.
Altars are also brightened up with decorations and offerings such as pineapples symbolising wealth and luck.
Also among the festive symbols is sugarcane, as the legend tells of how persecuted Hokkiens hid for days from marauding soldiers in a sugarcane plantation.
Other symbols include red eggs, traditional cakes and incense which are arranged before temporary altars placed at the entrance of the home.
‘Thnee Kong Kim’ gold joss papers are prepared as these are believed to provide the Jade Emperor with wealth.
The celebration comes alive at midnight with the sound of firecrackers which the community believe can ward off evil spirits and cleanse the atmosphere.
During this period, Hokkien families gather in front of their homes or in temples to light candles and joss sticks as well as burn joss paper as a tribute to the Jade Emperor.
One of the most awaited moments of the festival is the burning of sugarcane.
Symbolising a burning away of past hardships, it also honours the spirit of renewal.
At his home in Setia Alam, Shah Alam, Selangor, Hokkien Cris Tee, 34, sets alight sugarcane to symbolise the burning away of past misfortunes and to welcome blessings. — Photos: IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
Altar offerings include red eggs, ‘ang ku kuih’ (front row, right) and ‘huat kuih’ (back row, left).
Tee attaching prayer papers to sugarcane stalks.
‘Thnee Kong Kim’ gold joss papers are prepared as these are believed to provide the Jade Emperor with wealth.
To welcome prosperity, pineapples wrapped with red ribbons are paired with joss sticks.
Firecrackers light up the night to ward off evil spirits.
Family members gather with Tee in prayer at the temporary altar.
