Over century-old Chinese New Year traditions in Penang continue to draw massive crowds as the state’s Chinese community marks its heritage through rituals.
At the clan jetties in Weld Quay, the Jade Emperor’s birthday celebration marked its 119th year, with festivities peaking on Feb 24 and continuing past midnight into the deity’s birthday on Feb 25.
Families set up altars outside their wooden stilt homes, offering roasted meats, sugarcane, fruits and incense, while firecrackers filled the night.
These jetties were established in the late 19th century by Hokkien immigrants.
The observance is rooted in a legend where early Hokkiens, fleeing persecution, hid in sugarcane plantations and prayed for protection, vowing to honour the deity annually upon their survival.
Earlier, on Feb 21, devotees gathered at the 176-year-old Hock Hin Keong Snake Temple in Bayan Lepas for its annual flame-watching ceremony.
Held on the fifth day of Chinese New Year, the ritual is a key highlight for the temple, also known as Ban Ka Lan.
Built in 1850 in honour of Buddhist monk Chor Soo Kong, the temple is among the oldest in the state.
During the ceremony, caretakers observed the sacred flames rising three times from an incense urn, with each representing Penang’s economic fortunes.
This year, the flames suggested a steady early growth, strong mid-year prosperity, followed by a potential slowdown toward year’s end.
More photos
Chew Kean Kok (seated, left), 57, his mother Tan Guat See (in orange), 77, and family members preparing for the Jade Emperor’s birthday celebrations.
Devotees taking part in the annual flame-watching ritual at the Ban Ka Lan Snake Temple in Bayan Lepas.
Visitors enjoying a high-pole lion dance during the Jade Emperor’s birthday celebration.
A dragon dance is one of the highlights during the Jade Emperor’s birthday celebration.
Engineer Chan Chew Yan (left), 34, with her family at the Ban Ka Lan Snake Temple.
