GEORGE TOWN: As the Lunar New Year approaches, Chinese families across the country continue the time-honoured tradition of sending off the Kitchen God (Zao Jun).
Deeply rooted in Chinese culture, it involves offering sweet treats like glutinous rice cakes and honey to ensure the deity delivers a favorable report to the Jade Emperor.
The practice was observed by kindergarten teacher Mabel Chua and her 72-year-old uncle at their home near Jalan P.Ramlee.
"My family has been practicing this ritual for the past 60 years, passed down from my grandmother to my late mother, and continues to this day," she said.
Typically observed on the 23rd or 24th day of the twelfth lunar month, the ceremony symbolises gratitude for blessings received throughout the year.
Families gather at home altars, burning incense and paper effigies of the Kitchen God as part of the send-off, before preparing to welcome a fresh start with his return on New Year's Eve.
Many believe this practice fosters prosperity and harmony in the household, keeping the cultural heritage alive for future generations.
