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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
The 9th day of the Chinese New Year in Malaysia (known across the rest of the world as the Spring Festival / Lunar New Year) is a special one for the Hokkien community.
The Hokkiens in Penang are a group of people who originated from the Fujian province in mainland China. Being a Hokkien too, my ancestoral roots are in China - my great-great grandparents made the pilgrimage across the sea from China to Malaysia donkey years ago...
... anyway, on the 9th day of Chinese New Year, we Hokkiens celebrate the birthday of the Jade Emperor. Legend has it in ancient times, the Hokkiens were fleeing persecution and seeked refuge in a sugarcane plantation. With their lives at risk, they prayed to the Jade Emperor to save them - and they later emerged unharmed.
Hence on the 9th day, Hokkiens will pay a tribute of thanks to the Jade Emperor for delivering their ancestors from certain death.
It's a day to seek blessings, guidance and ask for a smooth, turbulent-free year ahead.
This was snapped at the Jade Emperor temple, located at the foot of the very popular tourist attraction Penang Hill. Every time this year, this temple attracts hundreds of worshippers who come to give thanks (me included).
So happened there was nearly-full moon when I took this... in the foreground, you can make out a devotee - hands clasped in prayer. |
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