GEORGE TOWN: Penang is expected to have a "moderate" start to the year" in the first four months of this year, according to the prediction of the Cheng Chooi Chor Soo Kong deity of the 175-year-old Hock Hin Keong (Ban Ka Lan Snake Temple) in Bayan Lepas during the annual Chneah Hoay or flame-watching ceremony.
Cheng Hoe Seah Association chairman Teoh Hock Guan said the next four months would be "good" while the last four months would be "flat", according to the predictions.
"Three flames were ignited within minutes of each other.
“The first flame was normal, signifying a moderate start of the first four months.
"The second flame was bright, which indicates a good period.
"However, the third flame was ordinary again, indicating a flat period of the last four months," he said after the ceremony which was held at about 11.30pm at the temple on Sunday (Feb 2).
Teoh said that, based on these predictions, it would be an average year and that it is expected to be peaceful.
The annual tradition 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 6pm 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.
Among the highlights of this year's celebration was a series of snake dance performances, a unique variation of the famous Chinese dragon dance, where a snake puppet gracefully weaved through the crowd, captivating onlookers.
Chingay, warrior drum and Chinese acrobatics were also performed.
Adding to the cheer were food stalls, art and craft stalls and an exhibition of Chinese temples and organisations.
The temple was built in 1850 for Master Choo Sor Kong, a Chinese Buddhist monk who lived during the Song Dynasty (960-1279).
He was worshipped after his death due to his lifetime of good deeds and was given the title “Chor Soo”, meaning eminent historical 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.
