2,000 people take part in annual event at Butterworth temple
THE more the merrier and it proved to be so at a mass yee sang tossing event at Tow Boo Kong Temple in Butterworth, Penang.
Multiple tables were joined to form a 209.7m-long line to cater to the crowd that numbered around 2,000.
They were in high spirits as they tossed the yee sang, shouting heng (fortune), ong (luck) and huat (wealth).
Organising chairman Ooi Wei Hwa said the event held annually to mark Chinese New Year was aimed at sharing festive joy with regular temple visitors.
He said the yee sang was made from 15 ingredients including carrot, radish, ginger, yam, biscuits, roasted peanuts, papaya, cucumber, dry lime and sesame seeds.
Many took home some yee sang to share with family members.
The event fell on the seventh day of Chinese New Year, which was Ren Ri (everyone’s birthday).
Salesman Tan Peng Kee and his wife Catherine Lee enjoyed mingling with others at the event.
Tan said, “The yee sang tasted more delicious when shared with so many.”
Temple committee members preparing the yee sang; spectators watching performances on stage; (below) the crowd enjoying yee sang after taking part in the tossing ceremony.
Electrician Ooi Kah Huat said he made it a point to attend the yee sang tossing ceremony every year with his wife Irene Lim.
“This is the 10th time for us,” said Ooi who came from Sitiawan, Perak.
Also enjoying the lively atmosphere were Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng, China vice consul-general in Penang Ding Qiao, temple chairman Datuk Khor Wan Tat, deputy chairman Datuk Ang Lim Kean and trustee Datuk Seri Hong Yeam Wah who is also the main sponsor for the event, former state executive councillor Datuk Seri Phee Boon Poh, Sungai Puyu assemblyman Phee Syn Tze and several Seberang Prai city councillors.
