- The small temple of the Nine Emperor Gods
Nine Emperor Gods Festival (Hokkien: Kiew Ong Yah, 九王爺) is a festival to celebrate the return from heaven to earth of the Nine Emperor spirits, who are worshipped as one deity and who represent health, wealth and prosperity. The festival falls on the ninth month of lunar calendar(農歷九月). Devotees flock to the temples throughout the country especially PENANG and Northern Malaysia for this religious Festival.
These Nine Deities are believed to dwell in the stars in heaven under the reign of Matsu, the queen of heaven and goddess of the sea.On the eve of the ninth moon, temples of the deities hold a ceremony to invoke and welcome the Nine Emperor. Since the arrival of the Nine Emperor is believed to be through the waterways, processions are held from temples to the sea-shore or river to symbolise this belief. Devotees dressed in traditional white, carrying joss sticks and candles, await the arrival of their Excellencies.A carnival-like atmosphere pervades the temple throughout the nine-day festival. During this period of time, the constant tinkling of a prayer bell and chants from the temple priests are heard. Most devotees stay at the temple, eat vegetarian meals and recite continuous chanting of prayer. It is believed that there will be rain throughout the 9 days of celebration.The ninth day of the festival is its climax. A procession which draws scores of devotees send the deities back home (a waterway such as river or sea).
Tactice to welcome or invite the Mother's of the Nine Emperor 斗母
Message from the DouMo
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