Chinese New Year is one time of the year when we come together, with family and friends. It is also the time we remember our ancestors and our departed loved ones. And yes, our Gods too.
So, through this Chinese New Year period, up this little hillock, known to many of the old aunties and uncles as Ku Ah Sua or Ku Kia Sua (Gui Zai Shan), at Chia Leng Kong Heng Kang Tian, devotees and residents around this hillock came up the hill to pay respects to Xuan Tian Shang Di and the resident Gods.
For the kids, it was always fun to watch the lions prance and the dragons twirl, especially given that the space here is small, where they needed more skills to maneuver around. It was to the kids' delight when the lions sprayed out sweets. The little kids learn not to be afraid of the lions. With the lions coming almost everyday, the kids got bolder.
On the CNY eve, a number of devotees turned up to welcome the new year, led by the Taoist Priests. Some of them were captured and reported in the Straits Times on 5 Feb 11 edition. It was a first time, after the renovation and restoration of the temple, for the welcoming of the new year. Next year, when we gather again to welcome the Dragon year, more devotees will be present.
On the night of the second day, words went out that Tua Ya Pek would be coming. He comes no more than three times a year. And so, before his arrival, a queue was already formed. His devotees were very keen to offer him New Year greetings. For each who greeted him, he had some kind words for them, advising them what they might encounter in the year of the Rabbit.
On the fourth night of the New Year, Zaizai (Shan Cai Tong Zi) came to unwrap the seals (which were wrapped up on the last day of bang-gong - consultations - in the Tiger Year). He was also greeted by many of his fans (read devotees) and again for each, they got their advice. But as was a tradition, before the new year greeting, Zaizai had a very important item on his agenda. To share with his devotees his outlook of the world in the year of the Rabbit. All ears, and for some, armed with pen and paper, tape recorder and even a video camera, the devotees listened to his "cheem"(deep) Hokkien prediction of what would happen in all the eight directions - East, South, West, North (read in Chinese and it would be easier to know the flow of the directions), and then, South East & South West and North East and North West.
The year of the Rabbit does not look rosy but there are also silver linings for some.
On the fifth night, it was the birthday of Cai Shen (God of Wealth). The hill top was filled with people as they followed the Taoist Priests through the rituals to celebrate the birthday. Candle of each miniature Cai Shen shrine (with the Cai Shen figurine sitting on a plate with two oranges and a packet of rice) was lit, according to the tradition of transfer of light from the Cai Shen oil lamp.
After the rituals, devotees were invited to "borrow" money from Cai Sheng to bring back to "grow" the money. Each would put in money (to each his/her own wish) and from the basket take out a coin, which was to be spent after three days. Each would also invite a small Cai Shen figurine back, to be seated in the north-west part of the living room, facing south-east. The growing of the Cai Shen's money is known as Mu Zi Qian (Mother Child Money, meaning how from the mother coin, many children coins are produced).
You could see happy and radiant faces as the devotees invited the Cai Shen back to their homes. To the Chinese, this is to ensure that the rice bin is always full and that there's enough money to live fairly comfortably. It was not intended for massive material gain as some might thought. (^^)
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
Opening of the Temple Doors
On 1 Jan 2011 (27th of the 11th Moon), at the auspicious time of 9.15am, the sealed doors of newly renovated temple hall of Chia Leng Kong Heng Kang Tian temple was opened.
It was an elaborate event with the Taoist Priests in attendance, conducting the rituals to prepare the statues to be moved to outside the sealed doors. Here, the statues were cleaned and cleansed.
And then, the Taoist Priests conduct the ceremony to prepare of the opening of the doors.
Thereafter, it was the moving of the statues into the hall to the appropriate altars where they were reinstated. Some refurbished statues were then re-consecrated again.
It was an elaborate event with the Taoist Priests in attendance, conducting the rituals to prepare the statues to be moved to outside the sealed doors. Here, the statues were cleaned and cleansed.
And then, the Taoist Priests conduct the ceremony to prepare of the opening of the doors.
Thereafter, it was the moving of the statues into the hall to the appropriate altars where they were reinstated. Some refurbished statues were then re-consecrated again.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
An 18-day Chinese New Year Extravaganza!
Chinese New Year of the Rabbit comes with many exciting activities for 18 days, from the Chinese New Year eve to the 18th of Lunar New Year when ZaiZai comes to bless the devotees.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Chia Leng Kong Heng Kang Tian Jing-Keng
Chia Leng Kong Heng Kang Tian will have a "Jing-Keng" following renovations to the Temple Building. The "Jing Keng" will be carried out at 9.15am sharp. This will be followed by many activities throughout the whole day. There will be Taoist rituals.
In the evening, Mr. Tan Thiam Lye, BBM, Chairman of Taoist Federation Singapore and President of IRO will lead the guests and devotees in a grand prayer to the Deities of the temple.
In the evening, Mr. Tan Thiam Lye, BBM, Chairman of Taoist Federation Singapore and President of IRO will lead the guests and devotees in a grand prayer to the Deities of the temple.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Celebrations in honour of Xuan Tian Shang Di 玄天上帝
From 9 to 11 October, Heng Kang Tian held a celebration in honour of Xuan Tian Shang Di (better known as Siong De Gong to the Hokkien people and the devotees). 10 Oct is the 3rd day of the Ninth Month, said to be the day when Xuan Tian Shang Di ascended into the Heavens.
During these days, many programmes were arranged, from Bor Un (mending and enhancing's fortune in Hokkien) to presenting the treasures to the Gods (Hian Geng in Hokkien). The necessary tradition of inviting Jade Emperor early in the morning and sending him off in the afternoon was also observed.
In the afternoon to evening of Sunday 3 Oct, it was fun time for the children, not only of the devotees but also in the neighbourhood. Much to their delight, there was a giant airfilled playground for the kids. There was also talentime for the kids too.
On 11 Oct, it was the traditional Grand Dinner where devotees and supporters turn up for a grand get together. The Guest of Honour was MP Indranee Rajah. She was greeted by two little girls. Guess who led who to the table. (^^)
During these days, many programmes were arranged, from Bor Un (mending and enhancing's fortune in Hokkien) to presenting the treasures to the Gods (Hian Geng in Hokkien). The necessary tradition of inviting Jade Emperor early in the morning and sending him off in the afternoon was also observed.
In the afternoon to evening of Sunday 3 Oct, it was fun time for the children, not only of the devotees but also in the neighbourhood. Much to their delight, there was a giant airfilled playground for the kids. There was also talentime for the kids too.
On 11 Oct, it was the traditional Grand Dinner where devotees and supporters turn up for a grand get together. The Guest of Honour was MP Indranee Rajah. She was greeted by two little girls. Guess who led who to the table. (^^)
Friday, September 3, 2010
Chia Leng Kong Heng Kang Tian celebrates Mid-Autumn Festival
It is one of the delightful traditions of the Chinese where we get together to enjoy the full moon of Mid-Autumn (15th of the 8th Moon) with delicious moon cakes and Chinese tea. Chia Leng Kong Heng Kang Tian 正龙宫玄江殿 (Zheng Long Gong Xuan Jian Dian) is organising a Mid-Autumn celebrations for devotees, the neighbourhood, friends and supporters.
Young or old, each will find something meaningful and enjoyable in this event. Do come and join us.
Friday, January 8, 2010
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