The Festival of the Heavenly God or Jade Emperor is often celebrated as one of the major celebrations in Penang by the Hokkien community. This celebration called 'Thnee Kong Seh' is celebrated on the ninth day of the first month of the lunar calendar and this day is regard as the Hokkien New Year.
On the 9th day (8th night) of the Chinese New Year, at WELD Quay in Penang, thousands of local residents and tourists thronged the waterfront area of Weld Quay, clan jetties to observe the 105-year-old annual tradition. Many hokkiens also offer prayers to the Jade Emperor at home on this day.
More on this celebrations at Weld Quay:
Wednesday February 1, 2012
Devotees out in full force to mark deity’s birthday
By ROYCE TAN - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
WELD Quay in Penang took on a carnival atmosphere as the Hokkiens at the Chew Jetty paid homage to the Thnee Kong (Jade Emperor) in conjunction with the deity’s birthday.
Thousands of local residents and tourists thronged the waterfront area to observe the 105-year-old annual tradition.
A makeshift altar, measuring 28m long, was erected at the roadside.
It consisted of more than 70 tables and the large structure was dubbed as the ‘Gate to Heaven’.
Legend has it that back during the Sung Dynasty, the Hokkiens from the Fujian Province in China once escaped from invading armies by hiding in the sugarcane fields.
They emerged unharmed on the Thnee Kong Seh (the Jade Emperor’s birthday).
The clan believed that they were protected by the Emperor.
.... read more at TheStar Metro
