GEORGE TOWN: Ornate paper palaces with intricate rooftops, vibrant columns and celestial figurines are among the most sought-after offerings for the Jade Emperor’s birthday celebration today.
Prayer paraphernalia shop owner Calvin Cheong said families burn the elaborate paper structures as symbolic gifts to honour the Jade Emperor, regarded as the supreme deity in Taoist belief.
“I ordered five eight-foot (2.4m) paper palaces and have already sold three at RM2,000 each.
“I also carry smaller, more affordable versions. These palaces are crafted by local artisans whom I hired. While raw material costs have remained stable, labour costs have increased.
“We’re also selling ornate nine-foot (3m) dragon joss sticks at RM400 each,” he said when met at his shop in Jalan Perak.
Cheong said demand for elaborate offerings has been strong in the days leading up to the celebration, which starts at midnight today.
“Sales of dragon joss sticks and paper items such as the Jade Emperor’s palace have been brisk.
“Many customers are willing to spend more on larger and more elaborate offerings as a sign of gratitude and reverence,” he added.
The celebration begins on the eighth day of the Chinese New Year, with the ninth day observed as the Jade Emperor’s official birthday.
For the Hokkien community, the occasion also marks their New Year, celebrated with elaborate offerings, firecrackers and nighttime 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.
Along Jalan Perak, roadside vendors also reported brisk business.
Sugarcane seller N. Chandran, 32, said he sold 400 stalks yesterday and ordered another 1,000 for today’s celebration.
“Each 10-foot (3.3m) stalk is sold for RM10. I’ve been selling sugarcane here for five years, and this year’s response has been encouraging,” he said, adding that prices have remained the same as last year.
