Meaningful practice: Chua preparing for the ritual at her house in Lengkok P. Ramlee while her uncle Mano Cheang looks on. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: For over six decades, kindergarten teacher Mabel Chua has faithfully carried on the cherished tradition of sending off the Kitchen God (Zao Jun) at her home in Lengkok P. Ramlee here.
For Chua, this ritual has been an integral part of her family’s heritage passed down from her grandmother to her late mother, and now to her.
“Just before midnight on Wednesday, my uncle and I prayed for good health, prosperity and happiness.
“We’ve been observing this tradition for over 60 years.
“My family has always kept the practice simple, yet deeply meaningful,” she said.
On Wednesday, just before midnight, Chua and her uncle performed the customary prayers at their home, with offerings that included nian gao or thnee kuih (sweet, sticky glutinous rice cakes), oranges, as well as traditional paper clothing and hats for the Kitchen God.
“I prepared a complete set for him. We will burn two pieces of yellow paper, each adorned with Chinese characters and intricate drawings.
“One, painted in red, symbolises the sending off of the deity to heaven.
“The other one, painted in green, is kept aside and burned on the fourth day of the Chinese New Year to welcome the Kitchen God back into our home.
“Then we prepare chen up (Hokkien for offerings that comprise red dates, longan and sugar), which symbolise our wish for the Kitchen God to provide a good report in heaven for our household,” she said.
For families like hers, Chua said the ritual is not just about tradition, but also about maintaining cultural heritage and fostering good fortune for the year ahead.
According to the Chinese lunar calendar, the ritual is traditionally performed on the 24th day of the 12th lunar month.
Many believe that Zao Jun ascends to the heavens to report on each household’s deeds, determining the family’s fortune in the coming year.
Families gather at home altars, burning incense and paper effigies of the Kitchen God as part of the send-off, before preparing to welcome a fresh start with his return on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year.
This centuries-old tradition remains a key part of the Lunar New Year preparations, reflecting themes of family unity, renewal and good fortune.
