A visitor to Yap’s shop looking at ‘pineapples’ made from folded joss paper. – Photos: LOW LAY PHON/ The Star
EVERY year, the Hokkien community celebrates the birthday of the Jade Emperor, also known as the God of Heaven, on the ninth day of Chinese New Year.
Legend has it that the Hokkien people were constantly at the mercy of the Mongols in ancient China. During one attack, the Hokkiens hid in sugar cane plantations and on the ninth day of the lunar year, they emerged unscathed and praised the deity for protecting them.
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A visitor to Yap’s shop looking at ‘pineapples’ made from folded joss paper. – Photos: LOW LAY PHON/ The Star
Yap says it's crucial to get all the correct items for the traditional ritual.
The most important item for the celebration of the Jade Emperor’s birthday is the ‘heavenly house’.
Among the ritual prayer items is the sugar pagoda which includes mythological creatures.
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