Devotees gather at Chew Jetty for Jade Emperor’s birthday celebration


GEORGE TOWN: Thousands of devotees, particularly from the Hokkien community, have gathered at Chew Jetty in Weld Quay for the grand celebration of the Jade Emperor’s birthday, known as Pai Thnee Kong.

The long altar, measuring about 20m in length that was central to the prayers, was meticulously arranged with offerings as devotees arrived to pay their respects and seek blessings.

An array of traditional items, including roasted meats such as pork and duck, fruits, and a variety of kuih such as ang ku kueh and huat kueh, were placed as offerings on the altar to express gratitude and prosperity.

Some offerings even featured seafood, reflecting the heritage of the clan jetties, where residents were once fishermen.

Large sugarcane stalks, a significant element of the festival, were also being set up beside the altar as a tribute to the community’s historical survival during ancient times.

Among large Chew families celebrating this year was 26-year-old Chew Kai Xin's family of about 30 members.

The fifth-generation Chew descendant said the family have been celebrating Jade Emperor's birthday for over 100 years.

"This year, we have four giant steamed buns in the shape of large tortoises surrounded by crabs, prawns and fish.

"We also have a large pot of gold and a big pineapple, both folded from joss paper.

"As every year, we pray for prosperity and good health of everyone," she said.

The offerings were prepared at their wooden home before being taken out to the long altar outside the jetty to be offered.

While traditional homes practise making offerings under the open sky, as the Jade Emperor is believed to reside in the heavens, many among about 70 families residing in Chew Jetty, as well as those from other clan jetties along the waterfront do not celebrate inside their wooden homes on the sea due to space constraints and fire safety concerns, as the use of incense, candles, and paper offerings poses a significant fire hazard to the tightly packed wooden structures.

Adding to the festive atmosphere were live musical and dance performances on a stage near the jetty.

The celebration culminated with a lion dance on stilts performance and a dazzling display of fireworks in the sky.

Among those present were Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying, who is also Tanjong MP, as well as Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai and Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng.

The celebration, which marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year's ninth day, is considered one of the most auspicious days for the Hokkien community and is traditionally celebrated to pay homage to the Jade Emperor on his birthday.

The prayer ceremony, also known as Bai Tian Gong, serves to give thanks to the Jade Emperor who was believed to have rescued the ancestors of the Hokkiens from the clutches of an invading army.

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Chew Jetty , CNY , Jade Emperor , Prayer , Weld Quay , Celebration

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