GEORGE TOWN: The annual flame-watching ritual drew a steady stream of devotees to the Ban Ka Lan Snake Temple in Bayan Lepas, where flames are believed to foretell Penang’s economic outlook.
Known as “chneah hoay” in Hokkien, the ceremony interprets divine signs based on the stability, brightness and strength of three bursts of flames, each representing a four-month cycle.
The flames were ignited from an incense urn on the altar at the 176-year-old temple, also known as Hock Hin Keong Temple, at the final minute of Saturday.
Cheng Hoe Seah Association chairman Teoh Hock Guan said each flame burnt for about a minute.
“The first flame burnt moderately, the second rose strong and vigorous, and the third burnt more slowly.
“Overall, the reading is believed to point to gradual improvement, with more favourable conditions expected mid-year,” he said.
He stressed that the interpretation serves only as a general guide.
He said the association has long played a role in overseeing traditional Taoist rituals and customs in Penang, including those related to the temple.
Built in honour of Master Choo Sor Kong, a deified Buddhist monk from the Song Dynasty (960–1279), the Ban Ka Lan Snake Temple is believed to have originated around 1820 as a private shrine.
Legend has it that the monk provided shelter to snakes from a nearby jungle, and once the temple was completed, the snakes took up residence there, becoming regarded as its protectors.
In 1850, it moved to its present site on donated land and was later opened to the Chinese community under the care of Penang’s Chinese leaders and entrusted to the Hokkien Kongsi.
Earlier, devotees offered prayers ahead of the deity’s birthday on the sixth day of the first lunar month, which was yesterday, turning the evening ritual into a vivid display of faith and devotion.
Among the devotees was Jasmine Leow, 67, who has been paying homage at the temple since her teenage years.
This time, she brought three generations of her family.
“My parents were devoted followers of Chor Soo Kong and always brought me here to offer prayers.
“I followed in their footsteps and made it a point to come every year to pray for peace, protection and good health for the family,” she said.
Accompanying her were her daughter Alicia Lee, 51, and grandchildren Christiano Tan, 17, and Crystabelle Tan, 14.
Engineer Chan Chew Yan, 34, who came with her husband and parents, said they were continuing a family practice dating back about 40 years.
“My parents have been coming here to pray and make offerings for decades.
“Besides paying homage, it has become a meaningful Chinese New Year tradition for family members to come here and spend time together,” she said.
