THe Jade Emperor’s birthday celebration (Thnee Kong Seh) on the ninth day of Chinese New Year at Chew Jetty, Weld Quay, Penang, drew thousands.
The road along the centuries-old clan jetty was a hive of activity as Hokkiens started converging as early as 6pm on the eve of the deity’s birthday.
Offerings of fruits, flowers and roast meat could be seen outside the doors of residents.
Offerings laid on the long altar at Chao Yuan Kong temple at Chew Jetty. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The StarAt Chao Yuan Kong temple, also located at the jetty, devotees laid their offerings on a long altar while red lanterns glowed above. Prayers started at 10pm.
At 11.15pm, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow arrived, accompanied by Tanjung MP Lim Hui Ying, Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng, DAP supremo Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng and others.
Penang MCA chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng (right) offering prayers during the celebration.
Chew Jetty chairman Chew Choon Seng in his speech expressed the Chinese community’s aspiration for a peaceful year.
Throughout the night, visitors were entertained with spectacular fireworks displays and cultural performances on the main stage.
Legend has it that centuries ago, the Hokkiens in southern China, facing persecution from their enemies, took refuge in a sugarcane plantation.
Chow touching the nose of a dragon sculpture with a joss stick to open the celebration at Weld Quay.
Their enemies could not find them after days of searching and left.
The Hokkiens emerged unharmed on the ninth day, thanking the Jade Emperor for protecting them.
