Temple committee led by Penghulu Soon (third left) offer burnt joss sticks to the Jade Emperor.
SIBU: More than 3,000 worshippers thronged the Tua Pek Kong Temple at the river front yesterday to give offerings to the Jade Emperor whose birthday falls on the ninth day of the Chinese New Year.
Offering of longevity buns stacked in the shape of a pyramid.
The ceremony began at the stroke of midnight as the temple committee led by chairman Penghulu Soon Choon Hoo
turned heavenwards by lighting incense.
Soon said this is the most significant for the Hokkien community as during the Song Dynasty, Hokkien villagers who were attacked were saved during the birthday of ‘Ti Kong’ by hiding in sugarcane plantations.
Soon said in Malaysia, not only the Hokkien but other dialetic clans worship the deity on the evening of the ninth day of the Lunar New Year.
He added that usually sugarcane and food like longevity noodles, longevity red buns, eggs as symbols of productivity, and fruits for health are offered on long tables outs
ide the temple to the heavenly elder.
“A lion dance performance brought the night’s celebration to a climax,” said Soon.
Food offering to the Jade Emperor at Tua Pek Kong temple.