AMY RASHAP sheds light on the Nine Emperor Gods festival - one of the most important dates celebrated in the Chinese Taoist calendar.
The sound of gongs clashes through the air as devotees in white carry flashing palanquins and priests dressed in silk robes orchestrate the annual Taoist Festival of the Nine Emperor Gods.
Taoism is one of Singapore's vital social organs and usually attracts Buddist worshippers, as well as traditional Taoists - who believe in a certain way of life, or flow of the universe, rather than a religion. If you visit a Taoist temple, you'll very likely find statues of Buddha and it's very common to see Taoists burn joss sticks in a Buddhist temple as a mark of respect. As 50 percent of Singaporeans are followers of both faiths, Taoist festivals are celebrated widely with great pomp and flair.
For centuries, the Chinese believed the Nine Emperor Gods represented the seven stars of the Big Dipper (Ursa Major), with the remaining two residing at heavenly locations invisible to the human eye. Other legends have transformed the Nine Emperor Gods into one historical personage - called the Nine Emperor God - who tried to overthrow the Qing Dynasty in 1644 AD. The festival of the Nine Emperor Gods is believed to bring longevity, prosperity and good health to those who offer their prayers to these deities. Festivities take place from the first to the ninth day of the ninth month of the Chinese lunar year. During this time, devotees will not eat meat and most dress in white. Visitors are welcome to observe festivities and ceremonies, however it is advisable to respectfully wear white and refrain from eating meat - at least on that day. Taoists are usually eager to share their knowledge with outsiders as they worship at temples and perform rituals, as long as respectful behaviour is observed.
During the ceremony ornately painted sedan chairs are drapped with blinking lights and urns infused with the power of the deities are carried by four men. It's believed when a divine spirit enters an urn, the palanquins will rock back and forth.You'll also witness huge paper dragonboats affixed with the names of devotees, robed Taoist priests chanting prayers and hundreds of devotees. While all nine days are filled with activities, the first (October 8) and final (October 16) days are the most interesting.
FESTIVAL CALENDAR
Day 1 (Oct 8) As the deities are thought to arrive via waterways, hundreds of devotees and priests head to the beach - usually at East Coast Park - to invite the deities to join in the festivities.
Day 9 (Oct 16) The evening begins with a mass prayer, huge paper dragonboats and fully-lit palanquins. At approximately 9pm temple buses transport worshippers to the beach. There, priests offer prayers to the deities amidst vibrant dragon and lion dances. Watch as worshippers bring their urns to the river, placing them on the water to bid farewell, while they burn paper dragonboats and light joss sticks. Expect the beach ceremony to continue well past midnight.
Be at the Send-off, October 16
Leong Nam Temple
19E Jalan Pasar Baru, Geylang Serai. 8pm tent next to Eunos MRT Station & 10pm at East Coast beach.
NOTE: Temple buses are available for return trips, call 6742 1128 to reserve a space.
Kio Ong Tiah Temple
779A Upper Serangoon Road (near Kovan or Serangoon MRT stations. 7:30pm
at temple. NOTE: Deities welcomed and transported at the banks of Sungei Serangoon.
For more information: www.weecheng.com/singapore
Posted Oct 2010
