GEORGE TOWN: Devotees with joss sticks and other offerings in hand are gathering at the Chew Jetty to celebrate the annual Jade Emperor's birthday celebration.
Thousands lined the streets to pray for good health, prosperity and other personal wishes on the eighth day of the Chinese New Year (Feb 24), with the ninth day (Feb 25) observed as the Jade Emperor's birthday.
The road (Pengkalan Weld) along the centuries-old clan jetty was a hive of activity as the Hokkien community and tourists started converging as early as 6pm on Tuesday (Feb 24).
The long altar, laid out in front of the Chao Yuan Kong temple at the jetty, saw generous offerings by devotees including fruits, flowers, traditional Chinese kuih, animal shaped mi ku (steamed buns), roast meats and other delights.
The festival, which is into its 119th year, is celebrated at George Town's clan jetties.
Families were seen burning elaborate paper structures as symbolic gifts to honour the Jade Emperor, regarded as the supreme deity in Taoist belief.
The crowd was treated to a spectacle of multicultural performances including a Chinese orchestra, Kolattam traditonal performance, a Wushu showcase, a Lion dance on stilts, musical performances and other festivities with celebrations ending after midnight after a fireworks display.
For the Hokkien community, the occasion also marks their New Year, celebrated with elaborate offerings, firecrackers and night time prayers outside their homes.
According to folklore, the Hokkiens once sought refuge in sugarcane plantations while fleeing an invading army.
Hidden among the tall stalks, they prayed to the Jade Emperor for protection and were spared on the ninth day of the lunar new year.
To express their gratitude, they commemorated the day annually, with sugarcane symbolising protection, survival and divine blessing.
