GEORGE TOWN: Penang's economy is expected to remain stable in the coming year, according to predictions from the Tua Pek Kong deity during the annual Chneah Hoay or flame-watching ceremony at the Thai Pak Koong Temple in Tanjung Tokong.
Lim Hooi Kooi, president of the Poh Hock Seah society, which oversees temple activities, described the first flame ignited at 12.03am as "average." The second and third flames, appearing at 12.04am and 12.05am respectively, were both deemed "fair."
"The overall outlook is average. While this is not as good as last year's, it's not the end of the world. It just means everybody has to work a little harder," Lim said during a press conference after the ceremony on Feb 11.
The annual ritual, believed to date back to the 1840s, begins just before midnight when all lights and candles are extinguished, and embers in Tua Pek Kong's urn are kindled.
Proceedings began at 11.40pm this year, taking over 20 minutes for the first flame to erupt. The intensity, stability, and duration of each flame are scrutinised to predict the state's economic fortunes.
Each flame represents a four-month cycle in the lunar calendar, corresponding roughly to February to May, June to September, and October to January in the Gregorian calendar.
For generations, business communities and locals have closely observed the ceremony to gain insights into their economic prospects.
This year, scores of devotees gathered at the temple to offer prayers and burn joss sticks. Firecrackers and fireworks lit up the night sky, adding to the lively atmosphere.
The Tua Pek Kong statue and urn were brought from the Poh Hock Seah Temple on Armenian Street earlier in the day and will return on Chap Goh Meh, which falls on Feb 12 this year.
The Hai Choo Soo Temple, built in 1799, is one of the oldest Tua Pek Kong temples in the region.
