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Address: Chew Clan Jetty, 10300 George Town, Penang.

The celebration of the birthday of heavenly God or Jade Emperor (天公诞;Thni Kong) on 9th day of Chinese lunar calendar at Chew Clan Jetty is the biggest one in Malaysia. The 9th day used to be celebrated and observed by Malaysian Hokkian clan only, but the cultural influence is spread to other clans as well nowadays.

According to legend, Hokkian ancestors in Fujian sought refuge in the sugarcane plantation from an attack by the Japanese pirates and only came out safely to celebrate Chinese New Year on 9th day after the enemy fled. The day is also the birthday of heavenly God, and from the incident onwards, Hokkien clan prayed the deity on 9th day on large scale to remember that historical day. Sugarcane is a must oblation in the celebration as a symbol of grateful to God’s protection and a prosperous year.

Chew Clan Jetty has a mass celebration by the community is due to fire prevention measure, and the celebration at Chew Clan Jetty was slowly evolved into one of the most celebrated Chinese New Year fiesta in Penang, attracting ten of thousand visitors each year.

Location map:

GPS Coordinates: 5.4122753N, 100.3399658E Show on map

Photo gallery:

Video (In Mandarin)

[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXEL36ZoBOk]

Penang story: Devotees out in full strength for Jade Emperor’s birthday

Posted by admin on March 2, 2011 under Religion & Custom.