Temple’s flame ritual predicts promising start to lunar year

 

GEORGE TOWN: Penang’s economy is expected to start the lunar year on a strong footing and remain stable, according to predictions from the Tua Pek Kong deity during the annual flame-watching ritual at Hai Choo Soo Temple in Tanjung Tokong.

The forecast was made after temple mediums and caretakers observed the behaviour, colour and intensity of flames ignited from embers in Tua Pek Kong’s urn during the "Chneah Hoay" ceremony late Monday night (March 2).

The ceremony began at about 11.40pm, once the sea tide reached its highest, with three flames emerging minutes apart, each representing a four-month period in the lunar calendar.

Poh Hock Seah president Lim Hooi Kooi, whose association oversees the temple, said the ceremony began at about 11.40pm after the sea tide reached its highest, with the three flames observed minutes apart.

He said the first flame was the most encouraging.

“The first flame at 11.50pm was particularly strong, with the glow visible even at the base of the urn.

“The second flame at 11.52pm was average and not as intense, but it still rose fairly quickly.

“The third flame at 11.54pm took longer to rise and was weaker than the first, but it remained stable nevertheless.

“Overall, we believe this year’s prediction is better than last year’s,” he said after the ritual.

Throughout the night, the temple grounds buzzed with a festive atmosphere, with lion dance performances, firecrackers and fireworks adding to the occasion as devotees and onlookers gathered to witness the centuries-old ritual.

With all other lights and candles inside the temple extinguished, the ignited flames were closely scrutinised, as devotees believe their intensity, stability and duration symbolically reflect the state’s economic fortunes and the prospects for prosperity, health and harmony.

Held towards the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations each year, the ritual has been practised for generations.

Built in 1799, the temple is among the oldest Tua Pek Kong temples in Penang and was established by early Chinese settlers in the coastal village of Tanjung Tokong, who prayed for protection and safe passage at sea. - Star