Super-sized deity: Volunteers assembling the giant effigy of Tai Su Yeah at the Yu Lan Celebration Organisation’s building in Bukit Mertajam. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
BUKIT MERTAJAM: The King of Hades (Tai Su Yeah in Hokkien) is “back” after two years.
More precisely, it’s an 8.53m giant paper effigy that is set up for the Hungry Ghost Festival.
The larger-than-life paper effigy of the deity, in a sitting posture and bedecked in garishly coloured vestments and headgear, has been installed at the Yu Lan Celebration Organisation’s building in Jalan Pasar here.
It had been missing for two years because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The effigy took over a month to construct. It was made with rattan sticks, rolls of adhesive tape and reams of coloured paper by 65-year-old Ng Chi Wang in Berapit, about 3km away.
It is now on public display for two weeks, after which it will be set on fire.
The organisation’s chairman Datuk Seri Peh Weng Kim said a large crowd was expected to return this year after missing the annual celebration twice during the pandemic.
Peh said devotees must wear face masks at all times.
“Although it is considered an outdoor event, we encourage devotees to wear face masks because it will be crowded.
“Since 2018, we have banned the burning of large joss sticks and only allowed small ones. Now they are being replaced with candles to keep the air cleaner,” he added.
Peh said the celebrations would peak on Aug 14, when the giant effigy would be wheeled out to the middle of Jalan Pasar to be burned.
The celebration this year is being held between July 29 and Aug 26.
In Chinese folklore, the gates of hell are said to open during the seventh lunar month and hell’s tortured souls get to go on a “vacation” in the mortal world while being watched over by Tai Su Yeah and his minions.
Stages are set up in communities where performances are held to entertain the spirits, while feasts are served for humans and spirits alike.
