Introduction to the Nine Emperor Gods

Hong Kong Street Tow Boh Keong Temple

The Nine Emperor Gods Festival is a nine-day Taoist celebration beginning on the eve of 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar, nine-emperor-gods-festival-celebrated-with-primarily in Southeast Asian countries such as Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia by the local Chinese communities.

 

Hong Kong Street Tow Boh Keong

Hong Kong Street Tow Boh Keong. Taking a rare photograph with Mr KH Khoo of the Temple.

Hong Kong Street Tow Boh Keong

The Nine Emperor Gods Jiǔ Huáng Xīng Jūn / Jiǔ Huáng Da Di are the nine sons manifested by Father Emperor Zhou Yu Dou Fu Yuan Jun and Mother of the Big Dipper Dou Mu Yuan Jun who holds the Registrar of Life and Death. The worship of Dou Fu Yuan Jun has declined strongly as proper teachings of Taoism degenerate since being exported out of China. Today, most Nine Emperor God temples do not acknowledge the existence of Dou Fu Yuan Jun. However, Dou Fu Yuan Jun is invoked alongside Dou Mu Yuan Jun in Great Dipper Honouring known as Li Dou ceremonies. According To Priest Long Hua, the 35th Generation Leader of Long Shan Men Taoist Sect (Singapore), honouring the Northern Dipper stars prolongs one’s life, eliminate calamities, and absolves sins and past debts of oneself and his family.Wu, Jave (2007), The term Ye as in Jiu Huang Ye ( loosely translates as “Grandfather”, a title worshipers commonly use to bring a more intimate relationship between themselves and the Nine Emperors. The Nine Emperor Gods should not be mixed up with the Wang Ye or Princes of the Ming rebels. Popular folk culture has it that the Nine Emperor Gods are actually sea pirates of the Ming dynasty that plotted to overthrow the Qing dynasty. According to Priest Long Hua, this information is inaccurate and considered derogatory to the actual teachings of Taoism as the Nine Emperor Gods are actually high-ranking Star Lords who preside over the movement of planets and coordinate mortal Life and Death issues.Wu, Jave (2008), Celebration The Nine Emperors is formed by the seven stars of the Big Dipper of the North Ursa Major (visible) and two assistant stars (invisible to most people). The Nine Emperor Stars are:

1. Tan Lang Tai Xing Jun 1st Star Bayer
2. Ju Men Yuan Xing Jun2nd Star Bayer
3. Lu Cun Zhen Xing Jun 3rd Star Bayer
4. Wen Qu Niu Xing Jun 4th Star Bayer
5. Lian Zhen Gang Xing Jun 5th Setar Bayer
6. Wu Qu Ji Xing Jun 6th Star Bayer
7. Po Jun Guan Xing Jun 7th Star Bayer
8. Zuo Fu Da Dao Xing Jun 8th Star
9. You Bi Da Dao Xing Jun 9th Star

Hong Kong Street Tow Boh Keong

Hong Kong Street Tow Boh Keong

Hong Kong Street Tow Boh Keong

Nine Emperor Gods Festival celebration in popular folk culture

On the eve of the ninth moon, temples of the deities hold a ceremony to invoke and welcome the nine emperors. Since the arrival of the gods is believed to be through the waterways, processions are held from temples to the sea shore or river to symbolize this belief. Devotees dressed in traditional white, carrying incense 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 nine days of celebration.

The ninth day of the festival is its climax. A procession which draws scores of devotees sends the deities back home.

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Introduction to the Nine Emperor Gods

At one of the Kew Ong Yah Temples, George Town, Penang

The Nine Emperor Gods Festival is a nine-day Taoist celebration beginning on the eve of 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar, nine-emperor-gods-festival-celebrated-with-primarily in Southeast Asian countries such as Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia by the local Chinese communities.

 

At one of the Kew Ong Yah Temples, George Town, Penang

At one of the Kew Ong Yah Temples, George Town, Penang

At one of the Kew Ong Yah Temples, George Town, Penang

At one of the Kew Ong Yah Temples, George Town, Penang

At one of the Kew Ong Yah Temples, George Town, Penang

At one of the Kew Ong Yah Temples, George Town, Penang

The Nine Emperor Gods Jiǔ Huáng Xīng Jūn / Jiǔ Huáng Da Di are the nine sons manifested by Father Emperor Zhou Yu Dou Fu Yuan Jun and Mother of the Big Dipper Dou Mu Yuan Jun who holds the Registrar of Life and Death. The worship of Dou Fu Yuan Jun has declined strongly as proper teachings of Taoism degenerate since being exported out of China. Today, most Nine Emperor God temples do not acknowledge the existence of Dou Fu Yuan Jun. However, Dou Fu Yuan Jun is invoked alongside Dou Mu Yuan Jun in Great Dipper Honouring known as Li Dou ceremonies. According To Priest Long Hua, the 35th Generation Leader of Long Shan Men Taoist Sect (Singapore), honouring the Northern Dipper stars prolongs one’s life, eliminate calamities, and absolves sins and past debts of oneself and his family.Wu, Jave (2007), The term Ye as in Jiu Huang Ye ( loosely translates as “Grandfather”, a title worshipers commonly use to bring a more intimate relationship between themselves and the Nine Emperors. The Nine Emperor Gods should not be mixed up with the Wang Ye or Princes of the Ming rebels. Popular folk culture has it that the Nine Emperor Gods are actually sea pirates of the Ming dynasty that plotted to overthrow the Qing dynasty. According to Priest Long Hua, this information is inaccurate and considered derogatory to the actual teachings of Taoism as the Nine Emperor Gods are actually high-ranking Star Lords who preside over the movement of planets and coordinate mortal Life and Death issues.Wu, Jave (2008), Celebration The Nine Emperors is formed by the seven stars of the Big Dipper of the North Ursa Major (visible) and two assistant stars (invisible to most people). The Nine Emperor Stars are:

1. Tan Lang Tai Xing Jun 1st Star Bayer
2. Ju Men Yuan Xing Jun2nd Star Bayer
3. Lu Cun Zhen Xing Jun 3rd Star Bayer
4. Wen Qu Niu Xing Jun 4th Star Bayer
5. Lian Zhen Gang Xing Jun 5th Setar Bayer
6. Wu Qu Ji Xing Jun 6th Star Bayer
7. Po Jun Guan Xing Jun 7th Star Bayer
8. Zuo Fu Da Dao Xing Jun 8th Star
9. You Bi Da Dao Xing Jun 9th Star

Nine Emperor Gods Festival celebration in popular folk culture

On the eve of the ninth moon, temples of the deities hold a ceremony to invoke and welcome the nine emperors. Since the arrival of the gods is believed to be through the waterways, processions are held from temples to the sea shore or river to symbolize this belief. Devotees dressed in traditional white, carrying incense 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 nine days of celebration.

The ninth day of the festival is its climax. A procession which draws scores of devotees sends the deities back home.

Names and titles

Penang Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi’s Mazu Birthday Celebrations on Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

 

Mazu, also known by several other names and titles, is a Chinese sea goddess. She is the deified form of the purported historical Lin Mo or Lin Moniang, a Fujianese shamaness whose life span is traditionally dated from 960 to 987. Revered after her death as a tutelary deity of seafarers, including fishermen and sailors, her worship spread throughout China’s coastal regions and overseas Chinese communities throughout Southeast Asia. She was thought to roam the seas, protecting her believers through miraculous interventions. She is now generally regarded by her believers as a powerful and benevolent Queen of Heaven. Mazuism is popular on Taiwan; her temple festival is a major event in the region, with the largest celebrations around her temples at Dajia and Beigang.

Extracted from Wikipedia by SP Lim

Penang Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi’s Mazu Birthday Celebrations on Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Penang Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi’s Mazu Birthday Celebrations on Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Penang Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi’s Mazu Birthday Celebrations on Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

In addition to Mazu or Ma-tsu, meaning “Maternal Ancestor Mother, “Granny”, or “Grandmother”, Lin Moniang is worshipped under various other names and titles:

• Mazupo (“Granny Mazu”), a popular name in Fujian
• A-Ma, also spelled Ah-Ma (“Mother” or “Grandmother”), a popular name in Macau
• Linghui Furen (“Lady of Numinous Grace”), an official title conferred in 1156.
• Linghui Fei^[6] (“Princess of Numinous Grace”), an official title conferred in 1192.
• Tianfei (“Princess of Heaven”), fully Huguo Mingzhu Tianfei (“Illuminating Princess of Heaven who Protects the Nation”), an official title conferred in 1281.
• Huguo Bimin Miaoling Zhaoying Hongren Puji Tianfei (“Heavenly Princess who Protects the Nation and Shelters the People, of Marvelous Numen, Brilliant Resonance, Magnanimous Kindness, and Universal Salvation”), an official title conferred in 1409.
• Tianhou (天后, literally meaning: “Queen/Empress of Heaven”), an official title conferred in 1683.
• Tianshang Shengmu (“Holy Heavenly Mother”) or Tianhou Shengmu
• Tongxian Lingnü (“Worthy & Efficacious Lady”)
• Shennü (“Divine Woman”)
• Zhaoxiao Chunzheng Fuji Ganying Shengfei (“Holy Princess of Clear Piety, Pure Faith, and Helpful Response”), an official title conferred during the reign of the Hongwu Emperor of the Ming.

Although many of Mazu’s temples honor her titles Tianhou and Tianfei, it became customary to never pray to her under those names during an emergency since it was believed that, hearing one of her formal titles, Mazu might feel obligated to groom and dress herself as properly befitting her station before receiving the petition. Prayers invoking her as Mazu were thought to be answered more quickly.

Extracted from Wikipedia by SP Lim

Penang Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi’s Mazu Birthday Celebrations on Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Penang Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi’s Mazu Birthday Celebrations on Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Penang Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi’s Mazu Birthday Celebrations on Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Penang Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi’s Mazu Birthday Celebrations on Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Penang Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi’s Mazu Birthday Celebrations on Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Names and titles

Penang Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi’s Mazu Birthday Celebrations on Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

 

Mazu, also known by several other names and titles, is a Chinese sea goddess. She is the deified form of the purported historical Lin Mo or Lin Moniang, a Fujianese shamaness whose life span is traditionally dated from 960 to 987. Revered after her death as a tutelary deity of seafarers, including fishermen and sailors, her worship spread throughout China’s coastal regions and overseas Chinese communities throughout Southeast Asia. She was thought to roam the seas, protecting her believers through miraculous interventions. She is now generally regarded by her believers as a powerful and benevolent Queen of Heaven. Mazuism is popular on Taiwan; her temple festival is a major event in the region, with the largest celebrations around her temples at Dajia and Beigang.

Extracted from Wikipedia by SP Lim

Penang Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi’s Mazu Birthday Celebrations on Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Penang Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi’s Mazu Birthday Celebrations on Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

In addition to Mazu or Ma-tsu, meaning “Maternal Ancestor Mother, “Granny”, or “Grandmother”, Lin Moniang is worshipped under various other names and titles:

• Mazupo (“Granny Mazu”), a popular name in Fujian
• A-Ma, also spelled Ah-Ma (“Mother” or “Grandmother”), a popular name in Macau
• Linghui Furen (“Lady of Numinous Grace”), an official title conferred in 1156.
• Linghui Fei^[6] (“Princess of Numinous Grace”), an official title conferred in 1192.
• Tianfei (“Princess of Heaven”), fully Huguo Mingzhu Tianfei (“Illuminating Princess of Heaven who Protects the Nation”), an official title conferred in 1281.
• Huguo Bimin Miaoling Zhaoying Hongren Puji Tianfei (“Heavenly Princess who Protects the Nation and Shelters the People, of Marvelous Numen, Brilliant Resonance, Magnanimous Kindness, and Universal Salvation”), an official title conferred in 1409.
• Tianhou (天后, literally meaning: “Queen/Empress of Heaven”), an official title conferred in 1683.
• Tianshang Shengmu (“Holy Heavenly Mother”) or Tianhou Shengmu
• Tongxian Lingnü (“Worthy & Efficacious Lady”)
• Shennü (“Divine Woman”)
• Zhaoxiao Chunzheng Fuji Ganying Shengfei (“Holy Princess of Clear Piety, Pure Faith, and Helpful Response”), an official title conferred during the reign of the Hongwu Emperor of the Ming.

Although many of Mazu’s temples honor her titles Tianhou and Tianfei, it became customary to never pray to her under those names during an emergency since it was believed that, hearing one of her formal titles, Mazu might feel obligated to groom and dress herself as properly befitting her station before receiving the petition. Prayers invoking her as Mazu were thought to be answered more quickly.

Extracted from Wikipedia by SP Lim

Penang Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi’s Mazu Birthday Celebrations on Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Penang Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi’s Mazu Birthday Celebrations on Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Penang Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi’s Mazu Birthday Celebrations on Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Penang Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi’s Mazu Birthday Celebrations on Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Names and titles

Penang Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi’s Mazu Birthday Celebrations on Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

 

Mazu, also known by several other names and titles, is a Chinese sea goddess. She is the deified form of the purported historical Lin Mo or Lin Moniang, a Fujianese shamaness whose life span is traditionally dated from 960 to 987. Revered after her death as a tutelary deity of seafarers, including fishermen and sailors, her worship spread throughout China’s coastal regions and overseas Chinese communities throughout Southeast Asia. She was thought to roam the seas, protecting her believers through miraculous interventions. She is now generally regarded by her believers as a powerful and benevolent Queen of Heaven. Mazuism is popular on Taiwan; her temple festival is a major event in the region, with the largest celebrations around her temples at Dajia and Beigang.

Extracted from Wikipedia by SP Lim

Penang Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi’s Mazu Birthday Celebrations on Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Penang Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi’s Mazu Birthday Celebrations on Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

In addition to Mazu or Ma-tsu, meaning “Maternal Ancestor Mother, “Granny”, or “Grandmother”, Lin Moniang is worshipped under various other names and titles:

• Mazupo (“Granny Mazu”), a popular name in Fujian
• A-Ma, also spelled Ah-Ma (“Mother” or “Grandmother”), a popular name in Macau
• Linghui Furen (“Lady of Numinous Grace”), an official title conferred in 1156.
• Linghui Fei^[6] (“Princess of Numinous Grace”), an official title conferred in 1192.
• Tianfei (“Princess of Heaven”), fully Huguo Mingzhu Tianfei (“Illuminating Princess of Heaven who Protects the Nation”), an official title conferred in 1281.
• Huguo Bimin Miaoling Zhaoying Hongren Puji Tianfei (“Heavenly Princess who Protects the Nation and Shelters the People, of Marvelous Numen, Brilliant Resonance, Magnanimous Kindness, and Universal Salvation”), an official title conferred in 1409.
• Tianhou (天后, literally meaning: “Queen/Empress of Heaven”), an official title conferred in 1683.
• Tianshang Shengmu (“Holy Heavenly Mother”) or Tianhou Shengmu
• Tongxian Lingnü (“Worthy & Efficacious Lady”)
• Shennü (“Divine Woman”)
• Zhaoxiao Chunzheng Fuji Ganying Shengfei (“Holy Princess of Clear Piety, Pure Faith, and Helpful Response”), an official title conferred during the reign of the Hongwu Emperor of the Ming.

Although many of Mazu’s temples honor her titles Tianhou and Tianfei, it became customary to never pray to her under those names during an emergency since it was believed that, hearing one of her formal titles, Mazu might feel obligated to groom and dress herself as properly befitting her station before receiving the petition. Prayers invoking her as Mazu were thought to be answered more quickly.

Extracted from Wikipedia by SP Lim

Penang Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi’s Mazu Birthday Celebrations on Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Penang Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi’s Mazu Birthday Celebrations on Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Penang Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi’s Mazu Birthday Celebrations on Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Penang Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi’s Mazu Birthday Celebrations on Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Names and titles

Penang Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi’s Mazu Birthday Celebrations on Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

 

Mazu, also known by several other names and titles, is a Chinese sea goddess. She is the deified form of the purported historical Lin Mo or Lin Moniang, a Fujianese shamaness whose life span is traditionally dated from 960 to 987. Revered after her death as a tutelary deity of seafarers, including fishermen and sailors, her worship spread throughout China’s coastal regions and overseas Chinese communities throughout Southeast Asia. She was thought to roam the seas, protecting her believers through miraculous interventions. She is now generally regarded by her believers as a powerful and benevolent Queen of Heaven. Mazuism is popular on Taiwan; her temple festival is a major event in the region, with the largest celebrations around her temples at Dajia and Beigang.

Extracted from Wikipedia by SP Lim

 

Penang Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi’s Mazu Birthday Celebrations on Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Penang Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi’s Mazu Birthday Celebrations on Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Penang Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi’s Mazu Birthday Celebrations on Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Penang Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi’s Mazu Birthday Celebrations on Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Penang Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi’s Mazu Birthday Celebrations on Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Penang Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi’s Mazu Birthday Celebrations on Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

In addition to Mazu or Ma-tsu, meaning “Maternal Ancestor Mother, “Granny”, or “Grandmother”, Lin Moniang is worshipped under various other names and titles:

• Mazupo (“Granny Mazu”), a popular name in Fujian
• A-Ma, also spelled Ah-Ma (“Mother” or “Grandmother”), a popular name in Macau
• Linghui Furen (“Lady of Numinous Grace”), an official title conferred in 1156.
• Linghui Fei^[6] (“Princess of Numinous Grace”), an official title conferred in 1192.
• Tianfei (“Princess of Heaven”), fully Huguo Mingzhu Tianfei (“Illuminating Princess of Heaven who Protects the Nation”), an official title conferred in 1281.
• Huguo Bimin Miaoling Zhaoying Hongren Puji Tianfei (“Heavenly Princess who Protects the Nation and Shelters the People, of Marvelous Numen, Brilliant Resonance, Magnanimous Kindness, and Universal Salvation”), an official title conferred in 1409.
• Tianhou (天后, literally meaning: “Queen/Empress of Heaven”), an official title conferred in 1683.
• Tianshang Shengmu (“Holy Heavenly Mother”) or Tianhou Shengmu
• Tongxian Lingnü (“Worthy & Efficacious Lady”)
• Shennü (“Divine Woman”)
• Zhaoxiao Chunzheng Fuji Ganying Shengfei (“Holy Princess of Clear Piety, Pure Faith, and Helpful Response”), an official title conferred during the reign of the Hongwu Emperor of the Ming.

Although many of Mazu’s temples honor her titles Tianhou and Tianfei, it became customary to never pray to her under those names during an emergency since it was believed that, hearing one of her formal titles, Mazu might feel obligated to groom and dress herself as properly befitting her station before receiving the petition. Prayers invoking her as Mazu were thought to be answered more quickly.

Extracted from Wikipedia by SP Lim

Names and titles

Penang Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi’s Mazu Birthday Celebrations on Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

 

Mazu, also known by several other names and titles, is a Chinese sea goddess. She is the deified form of the purported historical Lin Mo or Lin Moniang, a Fujianese shamaness whose life span is traditionally dated from 960 to 987. Revered after her death as a tutelary deity of seafarers, including fishermen and sailors, her worship spread throughout China’s coastal regions and overseas Chinese communities throughout Southeast Asia. She was thought to roam the seas, protecting her believers through miraculous interventions. She is now generally regarded by her believers as a powerful and benevolent Queen of Heaven. Mazuism is popular on Taiwan; her temple festival is a major event in the region, with the largest celebrations around her temples at Dajia and Beigang.

Extracted from Wikipedia by SP Lim

Penang Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi’s Mazu Birthday Celebrations on Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Penang Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi’s Mazu Birthday Celebrations on Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Penang Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi’s Mazu Birthday Celebrations on Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Penang Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi’s Mazu Birthday Celebrations on Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Penang Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi’s Mazu Birthday Celebrations on Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Penang Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi’s Mazu Birthday Celebrations on Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

In addition to Mazu or Ma-tsu, meaning “Maternal Ancestor Mother, “Granny”, or “Grandmother”, Lin Moniang is worshipped under various other names and titles:

• Mazupo (“Granny Mazu”), a popular name in Fujian
• A-Ma, also spelled Ah-Ma (“Mother” or “Grandmother”), a popular name in Macau
• Linghui Furen (“Lady of Numinous Grace”), an official title conferred in 1156.
• Linghui Fei^[6] (“Princess of Numinous Grace”), an official title conferred in 1192.
• Tianfei (“Princess of Heaven”), fully Huguo Mingzhu Tianfei (“Illuminating Princess of Heaven who Protects the Nation”), an official title conferred in 1281.
• Huguo Bimin Miaoling Zhaoying Hongren Puji Tianfei (“Heavenly Princess who Protects the Nation and Shelters the People, of Marvelous Numen, Brilliant Resonance, Magnanimous Kindness, and Universal Salvation”), an official title conferred in 1409.
• Tianhou (天后, literally meaning: “Queen/Empress of Heaven”), an official title conferred in 1683.
• Tianshang Shengmu (“Holy Heavenly Mother”) or Tianhou Shengmu
• Tongxian Lingnü (“Worthy & Efficacious Lady”)
• Shennü (“Divine Woman”)
• Zhaoxiao Chunzheng Fuji Ganying Shengfei (“Holy Princess of Clear Piety, Pure Faith, and Helpful Response”), an official title conferred during the reign of the Hongwu Emperor of the Ming.

Although many of Mazu’s temples honor her titles Tianhou and Tianfei, it became customary to never pray to her under those names during an emergency since it was believed that, hearing one of her formal titles, Mazu might feel obligated to groom and dress herself as properly befitting her station before receiving the petition. Prayers invoking her as Mazu were thought to be answered more quickly.

Extracted from Wikipedia by SP Lim

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Departing Ceremony of Mazu and Urn from my home back to the Kew Leong Tong Lim Clan Temple at Ah Quee Street, Penang ~ Part 3 FINAL

Firstly in the morning is the cleaning and tidying of Mazu’s Place of Worship and presentation of a new yellow robe bought for me by a clansman from Taiwan. I was elected the Lor Choo or Urn Keeper for 2017/2018 and the Mazu Diety was worshipped in my house for one year. This Urn and Diety shall be returned to Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi and to be worshipped by the next elected Urn Keeper for the next year of 2018/2019.

After the cleaning and wearing of the new robe, a joss-stick was lit and placed into the urn. Next, was the transportation to the car which was driven by Marilyn slowly to the Kew Leong Tong Lim Clan Temple at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang. George Town is a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. We reached the Temple safely and slowly carried Mazu, our Lim’s Ancestral Diety into the Temple and placed on a special table. The Ceremony is thus completed safely.

The actual birthday of Mazu is on this coming Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 but our Lim Clan of Seang Kooi Tong celebrates on Wednesday, 9 May, 2018 which is also the the Election Day of the Malaysian 14th General Elections.

SP Lim

Departing Ceremony of Mazu and Urn from my home back to the Kew Leong Tong Lim Clan Temple at Ah Quee Street, Penang ~ Part 3 FINAL

Departing Ceremony of Mazu and Urn from my home back to the Kew Leong Tong Lim Clan Temple at Ah Quee Street, Penang ~ Part 3 FINAL

Departing Ceremony of Mazu and Urn from my home back to the Kew Leong Tong Lim Clan Temple at Ah Quee Street, Penang ~ Part 3 FINAL

Departing Ceremony of Mazu and Urn from my home back to the Kew Leong Tong Lim Clan Temple at Ah Quee Street, Penang ~ Part 3 FINAL

Departing Ceremony of Mazu and Urn from my home back to the Kew Leong Tong Lim Clan Temple at Ah Quee Street, Penang ~ Part 3 FINAL

Departing Ceremony of Mazu and Urn from my home back to the Kew Leong Tong Lim Clan Temple at Ah Quee Street, Penang ~ Part 3 FINAL

 

Mazu, also known by several other names and titles, is a Chinese sea goddess. She is the deified form of the purported historical Lin Mo or Lin Moniang, a Fujianese shamaness whose life span is traditionally dated from 960 to 987. Revered after her death as a tutelary deity of seafarers, including fishermen and sailors, her worship spread throughout China’s coastal regions and overseas Chinese communities throughout Southeast Asia. She was thought to roam the seas, protecting her believers through miraculous interventions. She is now generally regarded by her believers as a powerful and benevolent Queen of Heaven. Mazuism is popular on Taiwan; her temple festival is a major event in the region, with the largest celebrations around her temples at Dajia and Beigang.

Share this:

Departing Ceremony of Mazu and Urn from my home back to the Kew Leong Tong Lim Clan Temple at Ah Quee Street, Penang ~ Part 2

Firstly in the morning is the cleaning and tidying of Mazu’s Place of Worship and presentation of a new yellow robe bought for me by a clansman from Taiwan. I was elected the Lor Choo or Urn Keeper for 2017/2018 and the Mazu Diety was worshipped in my house for one year. This Urn and Diety shall be returned to Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi and to be worshipped by the next elected Urn Keeper for the next year of 2018/2019.

After the cleaning and wearing of the new robe, a joss-stick was lit and placed into the urn. Next, was the transportation to the car which was driven by Marilyn slowly to the Kew Leong Tong Lim Clan Temple at Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang. George Town is a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. We reached the Temple safely and slowly carried Mazu, our Lim’s Ancestral Diety into the Temple and placed on a special table. The Ceremony is thus completed safely.

The actual birthday of Mazu is on this coming Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 but our Lim Clan of Seang Kooi Tong celebrates on Wednesday, 9 May, 2018 which is also the the Election Day of the Malaysian 14th General Elections.

SP Lim

Departing Ceremony of Mazu and Urn from my home back to the Kew Leong Tong Lim Clan Temple at Ah Quee Street, Penang ~ Part 2

Departing Ceremony of Mazu and Urn from my home back to the Kew Leong Tong Lim Clan Temple at Ah Quee Street, Penang ~ Part 2

Departing Ceremony of Mazu and Urn from my home back to the Kew Leong Tong Lim Clan Temple at Ah Quee Street, Penang ~ Part 2

Departing Ceremony of Mazu and Urn from my home back to the Kew Leong Tong Lim Clan Temple at Ah Quee Street, Penang ~ Part 2

Departing Ceremony of Mazu and Urn from my home back to the Kew Leong Tong Lim Clan Temple at Ah Quee Street, Penang ~ Part 2

Departing Ceremony of Mazu and Urn from my home back to the Kew Leong Tong Lim Clan Temple at Ah Quee Street, Penang ~ Part 2

 

Mazu, also known by several other names and titles, is a Chinese sea goddess. She is the deified form of the purported historical Lin Mo or Lin Moniang, a Fujianese shamaness whose life span is traditionally dated from 960 to 987. Revered after her death as a tutelary deity of seafarers, including fishermen and sailors, her worship spread throughout China’s coastal regions and overseas Chinese communities throughout Southeast Asia. She was thought to roam the seas, protecting her believers through miraculous interventions. She is now generally regarded by her believers as a powerful and benevolent Queen of Heaven. Mazuism is popular on Taiwan; her temple festival is a major event in the region, with the largest celebrations around her temples at Dajia and Beigang.

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Departing Ceremony of Mazu and Urn from my home back to the Kew Leong Tong Lim Clan Temple at Ah Quee Street, Penang ~ Part 1

Firstly in the morning is the cleaning and tidying of Mazu’s Place of Worship and presentation of a new yellow robe bought for me by a clansman from Taiwan. I was elected the Lor Choo or Urn Keeper for 2017/2018 and the Mazu Diety was worshipped in my house for one year. This Urn and Diety shall be returned to Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi and to be worshipped by the next elected Urn Keeper for the next year of 2018/2019.

The actual birthday of Mazu is on this coming Tuesday, 8 May, 2018 but our Lim Clan of Seang Kooi Tong celebrates on Wednesday, 9 May, 2018 which is also the the Election Day of the Malaysian 14th General Elections.

SP Lim

Departing Ceremony of Mazu and Urn from my home back to the Kew Leong Tong Lim Clan Temple at Ah Quee Street, Penang ~ Part 1

Departing Ceremony of Mazu and Urn from my home back to the Kew Leong Tong Lim Clan Temple at Ah Quee Street, Penang ~ Part 1

Departing Ceremony of Mazu and Urn from my home back to the Kew Leong Tong Lim Clan Temple at Ah Quee Street, Penang ~ Part 1

Departing Ceremony of Mazu and Urn from my home back to the Kew Leong Tong Lim Clan Temple at Ah Quee Street, Penang ~ Part 1

Departing Ceremony of Mazu and Urn from my home back to the Kew Leong Tong Lim Clan Temple at Ah Quee Street, Penang ~ Part 1

Departing Ceremony of Mazu and Urn from my home back to the Kew Leong Tong Lim Clan Temple at Ah Quee Street, Penang ~ Part 1

 

Mazu, also known by several other names and titles, is a Chinese sea goddess. She is the deified form of the purported historical Lin Mo or Lin Moniang, a Fujianese shamaness whose life span is traditionally dated from 960 to 987. Revered after her death as a tutelary deity of seafarers, including fishermen and sailors, her worship spread throughout China’s coastal regions and overseas Chinese communities throughout Southeast Asia. She was thought to roam the seas, protecting her believers through miraculous interventions. She is now generally regarded by her believers as a powerful and benevolent Queen of Heaven. Mazuism is popular on Taiwan; her temple festival is a major event in the region, with the largest celebrations around her temples at Dajia and Beigang.