Introduction on Bing Ling Gong (炳靈公簡介)

Bing Ling Gong aka Dong Yue San Lang (東岳三郎) or Tai Shan San Lang (泰山三郎 The Third Prince of Mt Tai Shan).

And he was believed to be the third son of Dong Yue Da Di (東嶽大帝) aka Lord Emperor of Mt Tai Shan.

In Late Tang Dynasty (唐末年間), Bing Ling Gong was being given another Official Title by the Imperial Court known as Wei Xiong Da Jiang Jun (General Wei Xiong 威雄大將軍).

While in Song Dynasty (宋朝年間), he was being given the title of Bing Ling Gong (the current commonly used Title 炳靈公).

Due to his uprightness and willingness in promoting and protecting of the Taoist Culture & Practices, he was being given the task to look after the Three Main Taoist Mountains – which are Long Hu Shan (龍虎山), Ge Zao Shan (閤皂山) & Mao Shan (茅山).

Today, in almost all the Three Mountains, you are able to see or find a Temple or Altar that is dedicated to Bing Ling Gong.

In the Taoist Scripture that dedicated to Dong Yue Da Di, Bing Ling Gong and other family members of Dong Yue Da Di are being mentioned.

Tai Shang Yuan Shi Tian Zun Shuo Xu Ming Miao Jing (太上元始天尊說續命妙經)

This is a Taoist Scripture that being explained by Yuan Shi Tian Zun (元始天尊) to Ling Bao Tian Zun (靈寶天尊) aka Tai Shang Dao Jun (又稱太上道君) during of the gatherings.

Yuan Shi Tian Zun explained, due to the Mortals in the Mortal World are suffering from different types of sufferings such as Diseases, illnesses, external negative factors, etc, the Mortals needed some assistances from the various appointed Deities, in-order to over the misfortunes, sufferings and also to prolong ones Age or Life.

And so how, Yuan Shi Tian Zun advised Ling Bao Tian Zun to pass the message to the Mortals of reciting the titles of Da Hui Zhen Ren (大慈大悲大惠真人) & Jiu Ku Zhen Ren (大慈大悲救苦真人).

Once these 2 titles are being recited and these 2 Deities got the signal or request, they will entered into the Mortal World to assist the suffering Mortals.

And so, Ling Bao Tian Zun accepted and advise and sincerely and compassionately convey the message to All Mortals in the Mortal World.

Yuan Shi Tian Zun explains the Scripture of Prolonging of Age-span of Mortals
爾時。

Er Shi.

元始天尊。

Yuan Shi Tian Zun.

 

告太上道君曰。

Gao Tai Shang Dao Jun Yue.

 

三界眾生。漂流苦海。

San Jie Zhong Sheng. Piao Liu Ku Hai.

 

無有解脫。汝豈忍受。

Wu You Jie Tuo. Ru Qi Ren Shou.

 

宜須精勤奉行吾法。

Yi Xu Jing Qin Feng Xing Wu Fa.

 

普該救度。

Pu Gai Jiu Du.

 

太上道君。既奉告命。

Tai Shang Dao Jun. Ji Feng Gao Ming.

 

不敢藏情。

Bu Gan Zang Qing.

 

若有眾生危厄疾病。

Ruo You Zhong Sheng Wei E Ji Bing.

 

當誦此經。稱。

Dang Song Ci Jing. Cheng.

 

大慈大悲大惠真人。

Da Ci Da Bei Da Hui Zhen Ren.

 

大慈大悲救苦真人。

Da Ci Da Bei Jiu Ku Zhen Ren.

 

即得離苦。長得解脫。

Ji De Li Ku. Chang De Jie Tuo.

 

永離嬰纏。長生益壽。

Yong Li Ying Chan. Chang Sheng Yi Shou.

 

老命更延。一切厄難。

Lao Ming Geng Yan. Yi Qie E Nan.

 

皆得消滅。

Jie De Xiao Mie.
太上道君。宣說頌曰。

Tai Shang Dao Jun. Xuan Shuo Song Yue.

大慈二真人。

Da Ci Er Zhen Ren.

 

能救三界苦。

Neng Jiu San Jie Ku.

 

放光照世間。

Fang Guang Zhao Shi Jian.

 

地獄悉停住。

Di Yu Xi Ting Zhu.

刀山高巍巍。

Dao Shan Gao Song Song.

 

鍋湯飛炎炎。

Guo Tang Fei Yan Yan.

 

至心念真人。

Zhi Xin Nian Zhen Ren.

 

罪魂解宿冤。

Zui Hun Jiu Shu Yuan.

疾病多苦厄。

Ji Bing Duo Ku E.

 

非灾難可言。

Fei Zai Nan Ke Yan.

 

痛哉傷五神。

Tong Zhai Shang Wu Shen.

 

真人憫悲辛。

Zhen Ren Min Bei Xin.

清信善男女。

Qing Xin Shan Nan Nv.

 

歸命須至心。

Gui Ming Xu Zhi Xin.

 

常念二真人。

Chang Nian Er Zhen Ren.

 

離苦免憂沈。

Li Ku Mian You Chen.

疾病消眾厄。

Ji Bing Xiao Zhong E.

 

邪魔不敢侵。

Xie Mo Bu Gan Qin.

 

晝夜心不離。

Zhou Ye Xin Bu Li.

 

解脫全爾身。

Jie Tuo Quan Er Shen.

勇猛發回向。

Yong Meng Fa Hui Xiang.

 

同歸七寶林。

Tong Gui Qi Bao Lin.
【太上元始天尊說續命妙經 】終

Tai Shang Yuan Shi Tian Zun Shuo Xu Ming Miao Jing Zhong

Yuan Shi Tian Zun explains the Scripture of Prolonging of Age-span of Mortals End

Pictures of Tian Guan Ci Fu (上元吉慶天官賜福)

Tian Guan Da Di (天官大帝) aka Lord Emperor of Heavenly Realm.

In Folks Culture, Tian Guan Da Di is one of the very few High Position Deities that being appointed to distribute or bestowed the Luck of Fortune or Luck of Wealth to the Mortals.

On every 15th Day of Lunar 1 Month, the Manifestation Anniversary aka Birthday, of Tian Guan, the Chinese & Taoists will visit Temples that dedicate Altar or Statue to San Guan Da Di to pay respect to Tian Guan Da Di, in-order to make request for the blessing of Good Luck from Tian Guan Da Di.

In other Chinese Countries, such as China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, etc, grand Rituals/Ceremonies that dedicated to Tian Guan Da Di will be organized for devotees to participate in.

During the Rituals/Ceremonies, Taoist Priests/Spiritual Masters will do Scripture Chanting and Petition Reading, in-order to evoke the energy from Tian Guan Da Di to be bestowed onto the Mortals.

In Singapore, never ever we can see such a Ritual/Ceremony being conducted, sad to say, not much people in Singapore or South East Asia known about who is Tian Guan Da Di or San Guan Da Di, worst is that, there are ignorant Temples & Sintuas that tend to distort the Upright Culture of San Guan Da Di.

In order to get the necessary blessing from Tian Guan Da Di or San Guan Da Di, one self must be Upright and Willingly to accept the True Teaching of Taoism.

Last, all the best in the paying respect, may Tian Guan Da Di distribute the Luck of Fortune to All of you.

PS: Tian Guan Da Di & San Guan Da Di Bao Gao 寶誥 (Praise Mantras) can be found in the following links:

http://javewu.multiply.com/photos/album/144

Lunar Year Customs – 15th Day of Lunar New Year (農曆正月習俗之初十五元宵上元節)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

Fifteenth Day of Lunar New Year, known as Yuan Xiao Jie (元宵節) or Shang Yuan Jie (上元節), a Day to mark the end of the Lunar New Year Celebration Period. Even though 15th Day is considered as the Last Day for the Celebration, but for some of the Chinese, they will celebrate till the 16th Day. Only after the 16th Day, then the Celebration is consider as Officially over.

So what are the practices on the 15th Day?

Here it goes:

On the 15th Day, the Chinese or Taoists will wake up early. After washing up, making one self fresh and clean, the Chinese or Taoists will start the Day by paying respect to Heaven, Home Deities and Ancestors.

For Taoists, paying of respect to Tian Guan Da Di (天官大帝) aka Lord Emperor of Heavenly Realm will be done after the paying respect to Heaven. In Taoist Culture, 15th Day of Lunar New Year is considered as a very important Day. For different Taoist Schools, this will also be the Day to do Spiritual Registration and/or Promotion Ceremony for Taoist Priests & Spiritual Masters.

Besides that, the Chinese will prepare Grand meal for the family to have another round of Reunion. For some Chinese, they will prepare even more dishes than on the Eve of Lunar New Year, cos they believed that at the Closing of the Celebration, more Luck will be blessed if one self or the family can have more good items to be consumed, etc.

After the Reunion meal, the Chinese will go out to have a stroll. This is not a normal strolling exercise, but, to observe on the Lanterns that the other Chinese prepared, hung, etc.

By looking at the Lanterns or buying a few Lanterns for the kids or the House, the Chinese will wish to be blessed by the Brightness, in-order to have Smoothness-in-whatever-oneself-does in the New Year.

Once the Lanterns are being brought home, the light in the Lanterns are not allowed to be blown off. Usually the light will be left till the morning or wait until it gone-off by it self.

So how to go about with the paying respect to Tian Guan Da Di?

Here are some of the recommended items to be prepared:

1 – Nian Gao (年糕)
2 – 1 set of 5 Oranges (五顆桔子)
3 – 1 set of 5 Apples (五顆蘋果)
4 – 1 set of 5 Chinese Pears (五顆香梨)
5 – 6 sets of Traditional Cookies (六甜)
6 – 6 sets of Vegetarain Items (六素)
7 – 3 cups of Wine (三杯米酒)
8 – 3 cups of Tea (三杯清茶)
9 – Some flowers (5 colours 五色花)
10 – Paper-offerings, a type of Paper-offerings that are dedicated to Tian Guan Da Di, can get in any Incense-shops (天官紙料)

Usually for normal homes, the statues of San Guan Da Di wont be invited or dedicated and so, a Temp Altar will needed to be set-up in an open space or, the offerings can be placed on the Main Altar in the house.

If one self finds that its not very convenient, then one self can actually visit Temples that dedicate Altars to San Guan Da Di to make the respect.

Once all the offerings are prepared and in place, light the Incenses and sincerely kneel down. Upon kneeling down, call upon the Official Title of Tian Guan Da Di (上元九氣賜福天官曜靈元陽大帝紫微帝君 Shang Yuan Jiu Qi Ci Fu Tian Guan Yao Ling Yuan Yang Da Di Zi Wei Di Jun), report who you are, what is the event and where you stay. After that, make your requests, remember not to be too greedy, request whatever is possible, best is to request for prolonging of life-span for Parent.

For those who know of how to do Recitation of the Bao Gao aka Praise Mantra (bao寶誥), please do so. For Tian Guan Bao Gao, you may proceed to this link: http://javewu.multiply.com/photos/album/144

Once its done, sincerely stand-up, place the Incenses into the Urn, make a simple bow and then leave the spot.

For those who are in a Temple, after 15 minutes, retrieved the paper-offerings and then burn-off, after that, bring back the offerings for the other family members. For those at home, the offerings can be left till the 16th Day, but the paper-offerings must be burn-off on the Day.

If one self knows how to do chanting on Taoist Scriptures, Bao Gao, etc, that will be best, cos on the 15th Day of Lunar New Year, this is a Good Day for doing chanting or reciting.

According to records, on this Day, a Chanting or Reciting made by one self will be multiplied with several folds, and so, remember to do a chanting for Parent, the parent will be blessed.

Last, all the best in the paying of respect to Tian Guan Da Di.

Lunar Year Customs – 14th Day of Lunar New Year (農曆正月習俗之初十四結燈彩)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

Fourteenth Day of Lunar New Year, the Eve of Yuan Xiao Festival (元宵節) aka Shang Yue Jie (上元節). Most of the Chinese will be busily preparing for the Celebration that take place on the 15th Day.

In Hokkien Custom, this Day is known as Kiat Theng Chai (結燈彩) aka Jie Deng Cai.

For Cantonese & Teochew Clans (潮廣籍), this is an Important Day, cos, the folks will need to prepare the necessary offerings for Tian Guan Da Di (天官大帝) aka Lord Emperor of Heavenly Realm and their Home-Deities.

In the Ancient Era, the Chinese will visit Markets or Town-city to buy new Lanterns to hang on the Tentages or Stages that they engaged people to set-up. Once the Lanterns are being hung, the Chinese will send out invitation cards to relatives & friends to invite them to their homes to see and observe on the latest moderns or types of Lanterns that they have brought for the Celebration.

In Chinese, due to the hanging and observing of Lanterns, this Day is also being known as Deng Jie (燈節) or Deng Long Jie (燈籠節).

On the other hand, the Taoists will also prepare the necessary offerings for paying respect to Tian Guan Da Di on the Zi Hour (子時 0000 Hour in Singapore/2300 in other Chinese Areas).

So what are the necessary items to prepare?

Here are some recommended items:

1 – Nian Gao (年糕)
2 – 1 set of 5 Oranges (五顆桔子)
3 – 1 set of 5 Apples (五顆蘋果)
4 – 1 set of 5 Chinese Pears (五顆香梨)
5 – 6 sets of Traditional Cookies (六甜)
6 – 6 sets of Vegetarain Items (六素)
7 – 3 cups of Wine (三杯米酒)
8 – 3 cups of Tea (三杯清茶)
9 – Some flowers (5 colours 五色花)
10 – Paper-offerings, a type of Paper-offerings that are dedicated to Tian Guan Da Di, can get in any Incense-shops (天官紙料)

Once ready, the offerings can be placed on the Temp Altar or the Main Altar at home.

For those who are not able to prepare the necessary items, when the Clock strikes 0000 Hour (Singapore Timing) can just light 3 Incenses and pay respect to the Heaven. By calling the Official Title of Tian Guan Da Di, he will be able to get your request.

Lunar Year Customs – 13th Day of Lunar New Year (農曆正月習俗之初十三吃暗糜(稀飯)配芥菜)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

Thirteenth Day of Lunar New Year, a Day to do preparation for the 15th Day and also a Day for the Folks to rest after the 2 weeks of busily doing visiting and eating.

For Hokkien Traditional Custom, on the Night of 13th Day, the folks will prepared congee and then eat the congee with the preserved-vegetable known as Dua Chye (大菜) or Kua Chye (芥菜) (Mustard).

Reason, to let the stomach has some rest before the next Grand Eating starts on the 15th Day or 14th Night.

Due to Health consciousness, a lot of people tend not to eat preserved items and so, today, a lot of folks don’t really practice or know about this custom.

Besides the Hokkien eating the congee with preserved-mustard, the Chinese will also start to ground Glutinous Rice (糯米) for making Yuan Xiao (元宵 a type of Tang Yuan 湯圓 eaten during Yuan Xiao Festival).

Once the Glutinous Rice is being grounded, the Chinese will gather the whole family around to start preparing the Yuan Xiao.

So what other practices do Chinese or Taoists practice?

For Taoists, they will light an Oil Lamp (油燈) and then placed it on the Kitchen Stove (廚房灶頭), this is a form of paying respect to the Kitchen Deity aka Zao Jun (灶君). In Chinese, this is known as Dian Zao Deng (點灶燈) or Dian Zao Tou Guang Ming Deng (點灶頭光明燈).

This is to request for Blessing from Kitchen Deity and also other Family Deities.

This Lamp will last for 3 – 5 Days until the 15th Days Celebration is over.

Some Folks will also prepare some simple offerings such as Oranges (桔子), Nian Gao (年糕), Traditional Cookies and Paper-offerings to pay respect.

Lunar Year Customs – 12th Day of Lunar New Year (農曆正月習俗之初十二女兒回來拜)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

Twelfth Day of Lunar New Year, the Day for the daughters to return home once again to pay respect to the Parents and also the Ancestors.

In Hokkien Custom, this Day is known as Cha Bo Kia Thurn Lai Bai (查某仔返來拜).

In the morning, the Parent will wake up early to prepare the necessary offerings and reunion meal stuffs. Once the Son-in-laws & Daughters are back home, the meal will start and all of the family members will need to gather around and eat together.

This time round, the Parent will start the eating first and then the rest can start.

Usually during this type of gathering, the Son-in-laws will try to show off a bit by praising one self of how well he is doing, etc. But, due to Lunar New Year, no one will try to stop or make any crude remarks.

Besides that, in Cantonese Custom (廣州人習俗), this Day will be the day for the Cantonese Clan to do preparation for the 15th Day aka Yuan Xian Jie (元宵節).

In the Ancient Era, the Cantonese Clan will engage people to set up the stage or tentage for hanging Lanterns and putting on of Traditional Operas.

Once the stage or tentage is being set up, the folks will go to markets to choose the best lanterns or engage masters to create some beautiful lanterns for hanging or display.

Lunar Year Customs – 11th Day of Lunar New Year (農曆正月習俗之初十一請女婿)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

Eleventh Day of Lunar New Year, another Day that the In-laws will make invitation to the Son-in-laws to return to the In-laws home to be guest on the 12th Day.

On the 11th Day, the In-laws will ask the younger brother of the daughter to go to the Brother-in-laws home to pass the message or invitation-card. Once the Brother-in-law received the message or card, he will need to issue an Ang Pao to the younger brother as a form of gratitude and also, the custom of Elder giving Ang Pao to the Youngest.

Upon receiving the message or card, the Son-in-law cannot reject the invitation and so, he will need to prepare the necessary items, such as live-chickens, cookies, wine, etc, for the visiting on the next day.

And on the 12th Day, this is also a day to show the In-laws that how well one self has take good-care of the wife and so, the Son-in-law will ask the daughter to put on gold chains, expensive stuffs to do a show-off in front of the In-laws house.

Eve of Yuan Xiao Festival @ Yue Hai Qing Temple (上元節前夕之粵海清廟)

Start:	Feb 20, '08 6:00p
Location:	Singapore Philip Street (CBD Area)

Dear All,

On the Eve of Yuan Xiao Festival aka Shang Yuan Jie, the 14th Night (20/02/2008), Yue Hai Qing Temple (粵海清廟) located at Philip Street (CBD Area) will open for 24 Hour in-order for the Cantonese & Teochew Clans (潮廣籍) to pay respect to Xuan Tian Shang Di (玄天上帝), Ma Zu aka Tian Shang Sheng Mu (天上聖母媽祖), Lord Tai Sui (太歲) & other Deities (crowds will come in after 6.00Pm).

For those who are interested to pay respect to the 182 years old Deities, do visit Yue Hai Qing Temple on the 14th Night, I'm sure you will see alot of differences and susprises.

See you there :P

Lunar Year Customs – 10th Day of Lunar New Year (農曆正月習俗之初十好吃日)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

Tenth Day of Lunar New Year, known as the Day of Having a Great Feast. In Hokkien Custom, this Day is called Hao Chia Lit (好吃日) or Chuan Chia Lit (全吃日).

Why this Day got such a Special Name?

Due to the left over offerings from the Ceremony of Honouring Jade Emperor of Heaven on the 9th Day, so, the folks will prepare another round of minor reunion meal for the whole family and so, the folks address this day as Day of Having a Great Feast.

Even though this Day got the name of Having a Great Feast, but some folks will tend to consume simple meals or items on the 10th Day, reason, to cut down too much oily stuffs, etc.

Cos the folks know that, on the coming 15th Day, there will be another round of Great Feast waiting for them.

Bai Tee Kong aka Paying Respect to Tian Gong (天公廟拜天公)

Rating:	★★★★★
Category:	Other

Ack to Mr Victor Yue of Taoism Singapore eGroup

Hi folks,

This evening, after our qigong practice, Doris and I decided to do a quick tour of the Telok Blangah Neighbourhood. Up the hill is the Ti Kong Tua (called Kong Hock Keng - established in 1907?) and down the hill is the Ti Kong Beo.

We arrived at Ti Kong Tua at 9.30pm and so, it was still early. But then, there are always the early birds. Officially speaking, I understand, prayers to Ti Kong (Tian Gong) should start at 11pm, the beginning of the 9th day of the Lunar New Year. I suppose these days, it is not so important, but of course, the traditionalists would rather wait.




There was a steady stream of devotees arriving. I understand that most of the devotees could be former kampong residents of this kampong and so, many arrived by cars. There could be new devotees as well as the former ones who are still staying in the Kampong.




I notice that most of these temples are still being visited by their old devoteee, devotees who probably grew up in the kampong where the temples were. With the rapid up and down of the buildings in the Singapore - another French word learnt? En Bloc? - it would be tough for the temples to track their devotees and the devotees their temples. Needless to say, establishing the connection to the next generation would be even tougher.

We then hopped over to Ti Kong Beo, by Telok Blangah Rd. I thought I saw a familiar car amongst the many. Ah, Ronni and his friend from Venezuela were already there. Jave and family were also there. In fact, Jave's granny's temple is now part of the Ti Kong Beo. So, if you want to know the history of this temple, he would be a good resource.




It was like countryside versus town? And we have come to town? The whole place from the main door to the main altar, some 30 footsteps or more? was filled with the sets of Ti Kong robes with other prayer paraphernalia. Each has a receipt with a name. So, I suppose the devotees have already made the reservations early. And while some were already making their offering and burning the set, other chose to sit around and wait for the clock to strike 11pm, at least.




This is another kampong temple and many of the devotees seemed to know the temple members and vice versa. This Uncle (any relation to you, Jave?) was great in his Hokkien soothsaying, customised for each devotee. And the devotees queued for their turns. Imagine, in materialistic Singapore, one would expect a stern advice to take one only. Here the uncle encouraged the devotees to grab! Symbolism of grabbing more means getting more luck or prosperity. There's the angpow (red packet) with the temple seal and there's plenty of sweets. I wonder, when the temples would start having their own labelled sweets, OEMed of course.

Of course, Ronni and his friend queued to have their communications made to Ti Kong, and they joined Uncle with a resounding Huat Ah!. Ahh, soon, Huat Ah will enter the Singlish Dictionary. From the Saikong during funeral wake rituals, these words have become "must say" at all occasions!

Alas, it is a working week and I have forgotten to apply for leave and so, we had to take leave from the temple. There would have been more Ti Kong temples to go. So, if you have been to any of them, could you share your observations? Ti Kong Temple at Jurong West? Ti Kong Tua at Havelock Rd?


Victor
Singapore

Banner of Jade Emperor Bao Gao (玉皇大天尊寶誥) 2

Jade Emperor of Heaven's Bao Gao, this is a Rare Mantra to be used in Rituals/Ceremonies.

But in some other areas, this Mantra will be recite by Taoists during Big Occasion such as the Manifestation Anniversary aka Birthday of Jade Emperor of Heaven.

Lunar Year Customs – 9th Day of Lunar New Year (農曆正月習俗之初九天公誕)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

Ninth Day of Lunar New Year, known as Tian Gong Dan or Tian Gong Sheng (天公誕/生) aka the Birthday or Manifestation Day of Yu Huang Da Tian Zun (玉皇大天尊) aka Jade Emperor of Heaven.

Due to the myth/records that on this Day, Jade Emperor of Heaven saved the Hokkien Clan during the Chaotic Period in late part of the Chinese History, the 9th Day of Lunar New Year becomes an important Day for the Hokkien Clan.

Just like what the Elders will said in the past, a Hokkien (regardless where the person is, whom the person married to or what Religions the person choose to believe in, etc) who never pay respect to Heaven aka Jade Emperor of Heaven, wont be consider as a Hokkien, cos, the person does not know the Root of Hokkien People and does not know how to show the gratitude to Heaven who had save us the Hokkien, etc.

And so, to certain number of Hokkien, till today, they still retain the custom of paying respect to Jade Emperor of Heaven, no matter where they are, etc.

So what shall be prepared?

Here are the recommended items to prepare:

1 – A pair of Sugar Cane (with Leaves & Roots 一對連頭帶為甘蔗)
2 – A pair of Huang Gao Qian (to be hung on the Sugar Cane 黃高錢)
3 – A Set of Tian Gong Zuo or Tian Gong Deng (usually come in set of 3 天公座)
4 – An Urn (香爐)
5 – A Pair of Red Candles (some will use Yellow 一對紅/黃燭)
6 – A set of 6 Traditional Cookies or Sweets (六甜)
7 – A set of 6 Vegetarian Items (六素)
8 – A set of 5 Oranges (五顆桔子)
9 – A set of 5 Apples (五顆蘋果)
10 – A set of 5 Chinese Pears (五顆香梨)
11 – A Pineapple (一顆黃梨)
12 – A bunch of Green/Unripe Bananas (Pisang Raja, being addressed as Tian Gong Jiao 天公蕉)
13 – A set of Longevity Noodles (if cant, get 9 small bundles of Mee Sua 壽麵/面線)
14 – A set of Longevity Peaches (壽桃)
15 – A set of 9 Red-buns aka Ang Pao (九個紅包子)
16 – A set of 9 Ang Ku Kueh (九個紅龜粿)
17 – A set of Kueh-Neng-Kho (Chinese Sponge Cake – look like Huat Kueh 傳統蛋糕)
18 – A Big Huat Kueh (大發糕)
19 – A Big Nian Gao (大年糕)
20 – A set/bowl of Ji Hong (Traditional Soft-candies 吉紅)
21 – A set/bowl of Tian Gong Bing (Traditional Cookies for Tian Gong 天公餅)
22 – 3 Cups of Chinese Tea (三杯清茶), 3 Cups of Wine (三杯米酒) & 3 Cups of Plain Water (三杯白開水)
23 – Tian Gong Jin 3-9 sets (天公金3-9份), Shou Jin 3-9 sets (壽金3-9份), Gui Ren Paper 3-9 sets (貴人紙3-9份), Paper-robes for Tian Gong (if any 天公袍)
24 – Prepare 3-9 sets of Shou Jin (壽金3-9份) & some Huang Qian Jia Ma (黃錢甲馬) – these are mend for the other Deities that stay beside Jade Emperor while Jade Emperor is out to do the inspection on the Honouring
25 – For those who are preparing the Meat-stuff offerings, you can prepare:
25.1 A Roast Piglet or a piece of Roast Meat (燒豬/燒肉)
25.2 A Cooked whole Chicken with Head, Feet and the Internal-organs (全煮雞)
25.3 A Fried Fish with all the Fins uncut (全炸魚)
25.4 A set of about 3-5 Crabs (全煮蟹)
25.5 A piece of Dried Cuttlefish (干魷魚)
25.6 A plate of Cooked Prawns (全煮蝦)
25.7 A Cooked Duck or Goose (if any 全煮鴨/鵝)
26 – For Taoists, the Five or Ten Offerings will be needed (道教徒則備五或十供)
27 – A Pair of New Brooms are needed (Red-ribbons are to be tied on the handle of the Brooms 一對新掃把)
28 – The Cleansing Incenses & the Urn are needed (so-called Kum-Men-Yen 甘文煙)
29 – 2 Table-banners (to be placed at the front & rear of the Table 兩套桌圍)
30 – A set of Old Shou Jin (老/舊壽金)
31 – Red-paper (for cutting little Paper-cuttings for the Offerings 紅紙)
32 – A Red-bowl with Shi Liu Ye & Clear Yin-Yang Water (a stick of Pomegranate Leave & Warm-water 石榴葉與一碗清水)

So what to do after the preparation?

Once all the items are being prepared, do not let anyone touches it or allowed any one who is founded not very Clean. Try to leave the items at a high level, beyond the reach of Children.

On the Evening of the 8th Day, the setting-up of the Table/Altar will be carried-out. The Leader of the family will need to choose a Good spot for the Honouring. Usually, the Altar will need to face the Sky, best will be, set the Altar outside the House.

Once the Good spot is being chosen, sprinkle the Yin-Yang Water around the area using the Pomegranate Leave. After sprinkle, place the Table on the spot and then, sprinkle the Table with the Water again.

After sprinkle, take 12 pieces of the Old Shou Jin, 3 pieces in a stack, place it under the Table legs (for all the Four Legs), this is to disconnect the Negative Forces that emitted out from the Earth from the Altar (after the whole Honouring, burn the Papers away), then, hang the Table Banner in the front and at the rear of the Altar.

Once ready, invite the Urn out and place at the front of the Altar. For this Honouring Session, can used a stack of Tian Gong Jin to support the Urn, if not, used a Red-plate to hold the Urn, do not let the Urn get-in-contact directly with the Altar.

Once the Urn is being invited out, light an Incense and place it into the Urn, do not let the Urn sits there without any Incense burning, this shows No Respect.

After the Incense is being lighted, light the Kum-Men-Yen and place it under the Altar, allowed the Fumes to surround the area, this is to do the 2nd round of Cleansing. Do not let it stop before All the Offerings are being placed on the Altar.

Now, set up the 2 Candles. Place them at the side of the Urn, do not light until 2300 Hour or while doing the invitation.

Cut the Red-paper into small round shape. Paste on All the Offerings, expect for the Beverages.

Place the 5 sets of Fruits in front of the Urn, then followed by the 6 bowls Sweets & 6 bowls Vege-items, in the center of the 12 bowls, place the Tian Gong Bing & Ji Hong.

Place the Longevity Noodle & Peaches at the side of the 12 bowls.

In the front of the 12 bowls, place the Ang Ku Kueh, Huat Kueh, Nian Gao, Kueh-Neng-Kho & Ang Pao.

Only then, then you place the Meat-stuffs at the front of the Altar (which is nearer to where you will be kneeling down).

Then, place the 9 cups at the edge of the Altar (leave it empty until 2300 Hour or the invitation).

Once All these are being prepared, take out the Sugar Canes and tied it to the legs of the Altar, try to secure it. Once the Sugar Canes are being tied to the Altar, take out the Tian Gong Zuo and then, place it in front of the Urn, use a Red String to secure the Tian Gong Zuo to the Sugar Cane.

Once the Tian Gong Zuo is ready, bring out the 2 new Brooms. Sprinkle the Yin-Yang Water onto the Brooms and then, hide them under the Altar. These 2 Brooms are used to represent the Protectors & Generals that ward-off Negative & Bad Entities from the surrounding.

After All items are being placed on the Altar, sprinkle the Yin-Yang Water on All the Items. This is the 3rd Round of Cleansing.

Once the sprinkle is done, do not allow anyone to go near or touches the Altar.

Take a rest, have a meal, take a nice shower and change to a set of nice and proper clothing. Wait for 2300 Hour to arrive and then starts the Honouring.

During the Honouring Session

Once the clock strikes 2300 or 2330 Hour (Singapore timing), the Leader can lead the whole family to gather at the Altar.

Let the Eldest of the family to light the Candles, this is to symbolize Respect to the Eldest and also, to allow them to request for Prolonging of the Life-span.

Let the young men in the family to light the Kum-Men-Yen and then place them under the Altar, this is to symbolize Strong and able to cope with Stress and Challenge-in-the-Future for the men.

Let the other men pour the Chinese Tea, Wine and Water into the 9 cups.

For ladies, do hold on to a small plate of Fresh-flowers, do not release the Flowers until the Invitation is done.

Once all these are ready, the Men will stand on the Right side of the Altar (while facing the Altar) and Ladies will stand on the Left side of the Altar (while facing the Altar). Then, the Leader of the family will light the Incenses.

After the Incenses are being light, Leader and all the other members are to kneel down.

Upon kneeling down, the Leader will have to do a simple report of who you are, who are the members involved and what is the event today.

And then recite this paragraph:

今逢。
Jin Feng.

新春元始之季。
Xin Chun Yuan Shi Zhi Ji.

又逢。
You Feng.

玉皇大天尊。玄穹高上帝。(拜)
Yu Huang Da Tian Zun. Xuan Qiong Gao Shang Di (Bow)

萬壽聖誕之期。
Wan Shou Sheng Dan Zhi Qi.

南洋新加坡共和國。 (你的住址) 。
Nan Yang Xin Jia Po Gong He Guo. (Your Address)

蟻民/信男 (你的名字) 。領闔家同人。
Yi Min/Xin Nan (Your Name). Ling He Jia Tong Ren.

於此。
Yu Ci

虔備薄禮酒儀。
Qian Bei Bo Li Jiu Yi.

敬向。
Jing Xiang.

玉皇大天尊。玄穹高上帝。(拜)
Yu Huang Da Tian Zun. Xuan Qiong Gao Shang Di (Bow)

恭祝新春。慶賀萬壽。及達謝庇佑之恩。
Gong Zhu Xin Chun. Qing He Wan Shou. Ji Da Xie Bi You Zhi En.

於此虔祈。
Yu Ci Qian Qi.

玉皇大天尊。玄穹高上帝。(拜)
Yu Huang Da Tian Zun. Xuan Qiong Gao Shang Di (Bow)

皇恩浩蕩降憐憫。聖仁賜福度萬民。
Huang En Hao Dang Jiang Lian Min. Sheng Ren Ci Fu Du Wan Min.

以佑。
Yi You.

蟻民/信男 (你的名字) 。暨闔家同人。
Yi Min/Xin Nan (Your Name). Ji He Jia Tong Ren.

新春富貴。朝朝大吉。
Xin Chun Fu Gui. Zhao Zhao Da Ji.

四季豐收。萬事如意。
Si Ji Feng Shou. Wan Shi Ru Yi.

於此。
Yu Ci.

蟻民/信男 (你的名字) 。領闔家同人。
Yi Min/Xin Nan (Your Name). Ling He Jia Tong Ren.

敬向。
Jing Xiang.

玉皇大天尊。玄穹高上帝。
Yu Huang Da Tian Zun. Xuan Qiong Gao Shang Di

獻三拜三叩禮。
Xian San Bai Li.

一拜。再拜。三拜。禮成。(全體起立)
Yi Bai. Zai Bai. San Bai. Li Cheng (All Raise)

After rising, the Leader will place the Incenses into the Urn and the Ladies will offer the Flowers onto the Altar and then, respectfully leave the spot.

After 15 minutes, the Leader will offer the 2nd round of Incenses. The other men offer the 2nd round of Chinese Tea, Wine & Water. Do not let the Kum-Men-Yen stop.

After another 15 minutes, the Leader will offer the 3rd round of Incenses. The other men offer the 3rd round of Chinese Tea, Wine & Water. Do not let the Kum-Men-Yen stop.

After another 15 minutes, do throw a round of Puey to ask for permission for burning off the Paper-offerings. If the answer is Yes, then the Paper-offerings can be removed, if not, the Leader will need to offer another round of Incenses.

Once permission is granted, the Leader will hold onto the center Tian Gong Zuo and the Elders will hold onto the other Tian Gong Zuo. The men will chop the Sugar Canes into half and the top-part will be burn-off and lower half will be kept to be distributed out.

The other members will carry the other Paper-offerings (for Tian Gong & the Generals) and the Ladies will hold on to the Flowers, the 9 cups of Beverages and a mini pail of water.

During the Burning

Place the other Paper-offerings at the bottom, then place the Tian Gong Zuo on top of the other Paper-offerings.

Then place the Sugar-canes at the side of the Tian Gong Zuo.

The Ladies will place the flowers around the Tian Gong Zuo.

Once ready, the Leader can pour all the 9 cups of Beverages around the Paper-offerings and then, the Eldest can light the fire.

Once the fire is being lit, one of the Ladies will need to go round the fire with the pail of Water.

While pouring the Water, the rest of the members can go round the fire once. This is to symbolize blessing from Tian Gong and also, the blessing of brightness.

After the Burning

After the burning, its time for the members to enjoy the offerings, but before the enjoying, the removing of the Altar is needed.

The Urn must be kept 1st, if the Incenses in the Urn are still burning, transfer them into the Main Urn on the Home Altar or the Tian Gong Urn.

The Candles are not allowed to be put off, transfer them to the Home Altar.

Once the Urn is removed, removed the Brooms, the Brooms can be used as normal Brooms after the Red-ribbons are being taken-off.

Then now, its time to distribute the Offerings, for those who are not going to eat it, can bring some home. Do not throw any of these offerings. If no one is going to consume the offerings, can give it to the others or neighbours.

Once all items are being cleared and removed, the Honouring for the Year is consider as completed.

Lunar Year Customs – 8th Day of Lunar New Year (農曆正月習俗之初八完全日)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

Eighth Day of Lunar New Year, known as Wan Quan (完全日) aka Day of Fullest or Completion. Even though this is just the 8th Day of Lunar New Year, but some of the Chinese will not celebrate further more until the 15th Day, and so, in Hokkien Custom, the folks will address this Day as Wan Quan Ri to mark a Temp stop for the Celebration and starts to concentrate on works.

In Taoism, this is a Day for the Mortals to pay respect to the different forms of Star Lords (全天星君) that appeared in the Sky aka Heaven.

According to our Taoist Contexts, on the night of the 8th Day, most of the Star Lords will gathered in the Sky to perform certain tasks (some said to do inspections, some said to give blessings and some said that this action is associated with the Anniversary of Jade Emperor of Heaven, etc).

Even though till today, no definitely answer can be provided, but, as a Mortal, during the Lunar New Year, it is the best period to visit Temples to do requesting & blessing and so, some of these traditional practices are still being maintained and continued.

So what will the Chinese or the Taoists will do?

Usually on the Evening of the 8th Day, the Chinese or Taoists will visit Taoist Temples to join in the Ritual of Paying Respect or Honouring Dou Mu Yuan Jun (Mother Lord of the Great Dipper of the North 斗姆元君) or Nan Bei Dou Xing Jun (The South & North Dipper Star Lords 南北斗星君), in some contexts, known as Li Dou or Bai Dou (禮斗或拜斗).

Reasons for the Honouring:

1 – To get blessing on the Eliminating of un-necessary misfortune & bad-lucks
2 – To eliminate the burdens & sins that one self accumulated in the Old year
3 – To request for the bestowing of Fortune from the Northern Dipper Star Lords
4 – To request for Prolonging of ones Age-span

Other then this, what will the Chinese be doing?

Besides this, the Hokkien Clan will be preparing to do the Birthday Respect/Honouring to Jade Emperor of Heaven aka Yu Huang Da Tian Zun (玉皇大天尊) on the late night of the 8th Day aka Zi Hour of the 9th Day (初九子時).

Due to the myth & records, Jade Emperor of Heaven is one of the most important Deities that the Hokkien Clan must pay respect to.

If a Hokkien does not pay respect to Jade Emperor of Heaven, then it will not consider as the Lunar New Year had arrived.

Lunar Year Customs – 7th Day of Lunar New Year (農曆正月習俗之初七人日)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

Seventh Day of Lunar New Year, known as Ren Day (人日) aka Day of Human or Mortal, in some contexts, this Day is also being addressed as the Birthday of All Human (人生辰). This is to keep in memory that on this Day, the Universe created Human.

So what are the usual practices on this Day?

In Myth, on the 7th Day after the Universe is formed, Nv Wa (女媧) created Human. In-order to show our gratitude towards Nv Wa, the Chinese or Taoists will visit Temples that are dedicated to Nv Wa to pay respect to her.

In China or Taiwan, the Chinese or Taoists still keep this practice, but in Singapore, seldom you will see the Chinese or Taoists visit Temples to do the honouring.

Besides that, the Chinese will prepare a dish that is made up of 7 different kinds of Vegetables to celebrate the Birthday of Human.

These 7 Vegetables are:

1 – Celery 芹菜
2 – Water Chestnut 荸荠
3 – Spinach 菠菜
4 – Spring Onion 青蔥
5 – Garlic or Chinese Leek 大蒜
6 – Chinese Cabbage 蒿麗菜
7 – Mustard 芥菜

In the Ancient Era, folks believed that by eating these 7 types of Vegetables, all misfortune & bad-luck will be eliminated and good luck will be bestowed upon one self in the New Year.

After this custom being imported into Singapore, the 4 Famous Chefs in the Early 1900s invented a dish known as Qi Cai Yu Sheng (by adding the 7 different type of vegetables with fish-slices, 七彩魚生). Till today, our local Chinese still like to consume the Yu Sheng on every 7th Day of Lunar New Year. In Cantonese known as Loy Hey (撈起).

So, any other Deities that one self must pay respect to?

Yes, besides Nv Wa aka The Mother of All Human, the Chinese or Taoists shall pay respect to The Great 9 Star Lords of the Northern Dipper Group (北斗九皇星君).

In certain part of the Chinese History, Chinese or Taoists will pay respect to the 9 Star Lords to request for blessing on improving the Luck of one self in the New Year.

After the custom being imported into our Hokkien Custom, on the 7th Day of Lunar New Year, the Hokkien, Chinese & Taoists will visit Temples to pay respect to them, if not, the Hokkien, Chinese or Taoists will pay respect at home.

It will be great if one self can do the requesting of Prolonging of the Life-span of one selfs Parent.

How to go about with the honouring?

1st, prepared the Five or Ten Taoist Offerings (道教五/十供), if not, just prepared 5 oranges (五顆桔子), Nian Gao (年糕), some traditional cookies (傳統糕點), 3 cups of Chinese Tea (三杯清茶), then, place them on the Main Altar.

2nd, when one self is ready, light 9 Incenses (九支香) and kneel down sincerely facing the Heaven (for those who house is facing North will be the best)

3rd, make a short report on who you are, where you stay, what is the event and then, make a short request

4th, after paying respect, stand up, make a simple bow and then place the 9 Incenses into the Main Urn on the Main Altar

And the whole honouring is considered completed.

Why 9 Incenses are being used?

9 to represent the 9 Star Lords of the Northern Dipper Group – 7 visible (七現) & 2 invisible (二隱).

Besides using the 9 Incenses, some folks will like 7 Lamps or 9 Candles to represent the 9 Star Lords.

So what to do after the honouring?

Distribute out the offerings to the other family members, allowed them to get the blessing from the 9 Star Lords.

Introduction on Orion Star aka Hunter Star (獵戶星座簡介)

 
Orion Star, in Chinese known as Lie Hu Xing Zuo (獵戶星座), translated as The Hunter Star Group.

Orion is a name originated from the Greek Context. For those who are into Greek Myth (希臘神話) will know that, this Star Group or shall I say the Star God Orion is closely associated with Zeus (宙斯), the Main God in the Greek Context.

Whereas in our Taoist Context, Orion is one of the 28 Constellation Star Lords known as Can Xiu (參宿).

But, even though Orion in our Taoist Context is part of the 28 Constellation Star Lords, the 3 Stars that standing in the Belt of Orion are known as Fu Lu Shou (The Three Star Lords of Fortune, Prosperity & Longevity – Alnitak, Alnilam & Mintaka).

As you can see from the Pic00, on the top left hand corner, you can see a Bright Red Star, known as Betelgeuse, according to the Astrology Record, this star has entered the final stage of its Life-span (known as Red Giant Star 紅超巨星 – the Astrology term to describe the stage), soon (in Million Years), this star might explode and forever vanished from the Orion Group.

Whereas on the bottom right hand corner, you can see a Bright Blue Star, known as Rigel, according to the Astrology Record, this star has also entered the final stage of its Life-span (known as Blue Giant Star 藍超巨星). Once the time is up (in Million Years), this star will explode and will forever be gone with the dust in the Universe.

Banner of Wu Cai Shen Zhao Gong Ming Bao Gao (武財神寶誥)

In the Banner is the Bao Gao aka Praise Mantra of Wu Cai Shen Zhao Gong Ming aka The Military Deity of Wealth.

On the 5th Day of Lunar New Year, while doing the ushering & welcoming of Cai Shen, this Bao Gao can be recited.

Lunar Year Customs – 6th Day of Lunar New Year (農曆正月習俗之初六下春田)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

Sixth Day of Lunar New Year, known as Ma Day (馬日) aka Day of Horse. This is to keep in memory that on this Day, the Universe created Horse.

And so, in the Ancient Era, people will not ride or used the horses on this day, letting the horses rest for a day, unless some very urgent issues happened, then the people would use the horses.

Besides that, in Chinese Custom, the 6th Day is also known as Xia Chun Tian (下春田), translated as Day of Starting Plantation Work, in Hokkien Custom, we address this Day as Yi Fei (浥肥) aka Yiek Pui.

On this Day, the folks will need to start delivering the fertilizers to the Plantation, once the fertilizers are being delivered to the Plantation, the folks will starts to direct in the water supply and water the plants or crops, after that, spreading of fertilizers onto the Plantation.

After returning home from the Plantation, the folks will gather around to have a drink and have some great food, this is to celebrate a New Good Start on the Plantation and hope that at the end of the Year, there will be Good Harvesting.

Method of Ushering or Welcoming of Deity of Wealth (接財神簡介)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

Dear All,

In the previous posting, I have do an introduction on the 5th Day of Lunar New Year, which is also a Day for the Mortals to Usher in or Welcome Deity of Wealth aka Cai Shen (財神) to ones home.

In the introduction, I have also do some recommendation and intro on the offering items to be used & prepared for the honouring at home. For those who do not wished to do the honouring at home, one self can visit any Temples that dedicate Altars to Cai Shen to do the paying of respect or honouring.

But the offerings will be different.

Why different?

Cos while one self visit Temples to do the offering or honouring, one self is trying to get the direct blessing from the Cai Shen and/or the Positive Energy that the Cai Shen emitted in the Temples and so, a different set of offerings for Grabbing the Positive Energy will be needed.

So what are the offerings?

In-order to keep it simple and easy for everyone to get during the Lunar New Year period, here the list of offerings:

1 – 5 Huat Kueh (五個發糕)
2 – 5 Nian Gao (五個年糕)
3 – 5 Ang Ku Kueh (五個紅龜粿)
4 – 5 Oranges (五顆桔子)
5 – 5 Packs of Flowers (Try to get All Red or Yellow color 五包紅花/黃花)
6 – 5 Packs of Chinese Tea Leaves (五包茶葉)
7 – 5 Packs of Jian Hup aka Traditional Cookies (五包餞盒)
8 – 5 Long Incenses (五支大香)
9 – 5 Sets of Paper-offerings (Just 5 stacks of Normal Incense-paper, can add in Gui Ren Paper if one self wants 五份壽金)
10 – A Red-paper with the Secret Character of Zhao Cai Jin Bao (8cm By 8cm (招財進寶))

PS: The following Picture is being set to 8cm by 8cm, you just need to print it on a Red-paper.



So what time to do the honouring?

Try to do it in the early morning.

For those who are off on the 5th Day, I will advise you to visit Temples in between 9.00 to 11.00 Am for the requesting of Wealth (午時之前).

So how to go about with the honouring?

Once one self reaches the Temple, place all the Offerings into a Big Round Red Plate, if one Plate does not take in all the Offerings, you can add another Plate.

Do not light the 5 Incenses, get a set of Incenses from the Temple, after getting the Incense-set, sincerely pay respect to the Heaven & Main Deities in the Temple.

After the paying respect is done, then, its time for one self communicate with the Cai Shen.

Light the 5 Incenses.

Hold the Red-paper with Zhao Cai Jin Bao in front of the Incenses.

Sincerely kneel down in front of the Altar (take note that you can only kneel down in front of Cai Shen and not other Deities, if not, one self might invite the wrong Deity).

Do a short report on who you are, where you stay, what is the event today and why you are here.

And then, recite the following paragraph:

東方財神東方請。
Dong Fang Cai Shen Dong Fang Qing

南方財神南方請。
Nan Fang Cai Shen Nan Fang Qing

西方財神西方請。
Xi Fang Cai Shen Xi Fang Qing

北方財神北方請。
Bei Fang Cai Shen Bei Fang Qing

中央財神總拜請。
Zhong Yang Cai Shen Zong Bai Qing

信男/女(自己姓名) 。生于(自己農曆生辰) 。家住(自己家地址) 。
Xin Nan/Nv (your name) Sheng Yu (DOB) Jia Zhu (your address)

誠心誠意來拜請。
Cheng Xin Cheng Yi Lai Bai Qing

拜請五方財神。八方貴人。財帛星君來庇佑。
Bai Qing Wu Fang Cai Shen, Ba Fang Gui Ren, Cai Bo Xing Jun Lai Bi You

庇佑信男/女財源通。
Bi You Xin Nan/Nv Cai Yuan Tong

庇佑信男/女富貴涌。
Bi You Xin Nan/Nv Fu Gui Yong

今年萬事繳好運。
Jin Nian Wan Shi Jiao Hao Yun

明春答謝謝儀豐。
Ming Chun Da Xie Xie Yi Feng

Once this paragraph is being recited, sincerely get up and place the Incenses into the Urn and put the Red-paper onto the other Offerings.

Make a simple bow to the Cai Shen and then leave the spot.

After about 5-10 minutes, get the Paper-offerings and make another bow to the Cai Shen and then, burn off the Paper-offerings.

Once the Paper-offerings are being burn off, retrieve the other offerings and make another round of simple bow to the Cai Shen and then, bring the items back home.

After reaching home, paste the Red-paper on any Good spot that you wish to paste. On the end of the Lunar Year (24th Day of Lunar 12 Month), then take down the Red-paper and burn it off while you are doing the Sending-off of Deities.

Upon your requesting is being answered, do prepared the same amount of Offerings to pay respect to the Cai Shen of that Temple again.

Remember, not to be too greedy, ask for the possible amount of Wealth will do.

Last of All, All the best to the honouring.

Lunar Year Customs – 5th Day of Lunar New Year (農曆正月習俗之初五接財神)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

Fifth Day of Lunar New Year, known as Niu Day (牛日) aka Day of Cow. This is to keep in memory that on this Day, the Universe created Cow.

And so, for some folks, on this Day, they will not consume any cow meat or any items that are associated with Cow.

Besides that, in Hokkien Custom, 5th Day is also known as Ge Kai Ri (隔開日), translated as Day of Retrieving or Removal of Offering Items from the Altars. After a few days of making offerings to the Deities & Ancestors, the offering items shall be in a Very good condition by the 5th Day. Only after the 4th Day, then such offerings can be retrieved or removed from the Altars. This is a form of respect to the Deities & Ancestors and also a form of cultivation of knowing the rules & regulations of making offerings.

Some people after retrieving or removing of the items from the Altars, they will prepare another new set of simple offerings to be offered to the Deities & Ancestors, cos its still the Lunar New Year period, the Altars shall not be left empty, etc.

After 5th Day, most of the people will need to report back to work and those who operate businesses will have to resume their operations, trading, transactions, etc.

Just before people report back for work or resume their operations, some people will tend to go to Temples that are being dedicated to Deity of Wealth to request for blessing of Wealth Luck. Why? Cos on the 5th Day, in Taoist Culture, this is the Birthday or Anniversary for the Deities of different forms of Wealth (財神誕).

In Chinese Custom, the 5th Day is also known as Cai Shen Ri (財神日) aka Day of Deity of Wealth. By looking at the term, one self will know that this is a Day or a Solely Day that is dedicated to All Deities that associated with Wealth, Money, Fortune, Prosperity, etc.

And so, this is the Actual & Correct Day to do the Welcoming & Ushering in of Deity of Wealth instead of performing the Ceremony or Ritual on the Eve of Lunar New Year (on the Eve of Lunar New Year, the Deities that one self shall invite or usher shall be Fu Lu Shou Star Lords 福祿壽三星).

So what are the things that one self shall prepared?

As being intro in the previous posting, the following items are to be prepared for the Welcoming or Ushering in of the Deities of Wealth:

1 – Nian Gao (年糕)
2 – 1 set of 5 Oranges (五顆桔子)
3 – 1 Pineapple (黃梨)
4 – 1 set of 5 Apples (五顆蘋果)
5 – 1 set of 5 Chinese Pears (五顆香梨)
6 – 1 Bunch of Bananas (一串香蕉)
7 – 6 sets of Traditional Cookies (六甜)
8 – 6 sets of Vegetarain Items (六素)
9 – 3 cups of Wine (三杯米酒)
10 – 3 cups of Tea (三杯清茶)
11 – Huat Kueh (發糕)
12 – Some flowers (5 colours 五色花)
13 – Paper-offerings, a type of Paper-offerings that are dedicated to Deity of Wealth, can get in any Incense-shops (財神紙料)
14 – Some people will prepare the cooked-stuffs such as chicken, roast pig (三牲禮).

Once ready, the Altar shall be set up in front of the Home or any Business-operating Area (due to this Day is dedicated to Deity of Wealth, no specific direction is needed for the Altar to face or be placed at, do not get tricked or cheated by those un-realistic-remarks made).

Place the Urn at the front of the Altar, 2 Red-candles standing at the side of the Urn, place the 5 types of Fruits in front of the Urn, follow by Huat Kueh, Nian Gao, 6 Candies & 6 Vege-items.

The flowers can be placed in the center.

Then the Tea & Wine are too be served.

After all the preparation and setting-up is done. The one who wished to request for the blessing of Wealth shall lead the Honouring. Light the incenses, sincerely kneel down in front of the Altar, do simple report on the name, address of the place, what day is today and why such offerings are being made, after the reporting, one self can do the requesting.

After requesting, sincerely place the incenses into the Urn and then leave the place.

After about 15 minutes, return back to burn-off the incense-paper. Remember not to burn the Deity of Wealth Picture that comes with the Paper-offerings. The picture is mend for one self to paste it on the Main Altar or anywhere that one self feel comfortable with.

Only remove the picture when its time to do the send-off.

So when to send off the Picture of Deity of Wealth?

Usually this will be done on the Day while the family send-off the Kitchen Deity, which means the 24th Day of Lunar 12 Month (農曆十二月二十四日).

Due to Folks Culture, some will do it before Dong Zhi aka Winter Solstice (冬至).

On the day of the sending-off, simple offerings must be prepared. 3 sets of Tian Gong incense-paper (天公金 the big size one), 3 sets of Shou Jin incense-paper (壽金 the normal size one), a set of Gui Ren incense-paper (貴人紙 the red-color paper-offering will a lot of Officer-figurines being printed) and some Sending-off Jia Ma (送神甲馬 Horse offering-paper).

After the preparation, make a short report to Deity of Wealth that the New Year is coming, the family will be making invitation for another New Deity of Wealth (take note that, Deity of Wealth will also changed accordingly to the Element of the Lunar Year, not necessary for a same Deity of Wealth to stay on duty for a few constant years) in for the New Year and will sincerely invite the current Deity of Wealth back to the Heaven, thank him for the blessing of the Year.

Once the report is being made, one self can take down the Picture and then together, bring the incense-papers and burn them off.

Manifestation Anniversay aka Birthday of Yuan Shi Tian Zun (元始天尊萬壽日)

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Category:	Other

First Day of Lunar New Year (正月初一日), a day for the Chinese to celebrate the arrival of a New Year, the Joyous Spring Season back in the Mortal World, in Taoism, this is also a Day that the Taoists will pay their sincere & faithful respect to Yuan Shi Tian Zun (元始天尊), one of the San Qing aka Three Supreme One (三清道祖).

Yuan Shi Tian Zun, a manifestation of Yuan Shi Tian Wang (元始天王) aka the Initial Gust of Miracle Energy or Force before the Universe & Dimensions existed. After Yuan Shi Tian Wang reaches a certain stage of manifestation, he manifested the very first Manifestation Energy to create Yuan Shi Tian Zun and this day was believed to be the Day of the Start of a New Heavenly Era (which later became the 1st Day of Lunar New Year).

Upon being manifested, Yuan Shi Tian Zun started to perform his task by making different forms of manifestations and the creation of the Universe, other Dimensions, Deities and of cos, the different Planets in this Universe.

So on this Day, what shall one self prepared?

For a Taoist, the things that needed to be prepared are very simple.

Just prepared the Taoist Five Offerings (道教五供) or the most, the Ten Offerings (道教十供), once ready, place them on the Altar that set-up facing the Heaven (with an Urn, 2 Candles and some simple paper-offerings).

After ushering-in the New Year, one self can start to pay respect to Yuan Shi Tian Zun.

Sincerely make a short report to Yuan Shi Tian Zun who you are, what is the event today and after the report, make 3 times of kneeling down, each time of the kneeling down, make 3 kowtows (which make 9 kowtows after the whole honouring).

Once the kneeling & kowtow are done, stand-up and make a simple bow and then leave the spot.

Besides doing the honouring, this is a Day that the Taoists will do chanting & reciting. On this Day, all chanting & reciting of Scriptures & Mantras, the credits & merits will be enhanced & multiplied.

On the next morning, after wake-up, make another round of offering of incenses and then burnt off the paper-offerings.

For normal Chinese who wished to pay respect to Yuan Shi Tian Zun, this will be encouraged. Just prepare the items that one self usually prepared for honouring the Home Deities. After preparation, place the items on the Main Altar or if one self wish to set up a Temp Altar facing the Heaven, this will be best.

Follow the procedure that being mentioned above.

So when can remove the Altar?

For those who wish to set-up the Altar till the 15th Day, this is encouraged, if not, can remove the Altar on the 2nd Day of Lunar New Year.
Before removing the Altar, do not discard the Five or Ten offerings, one self can transfer the offerings to the Main Altar.

Pictures of Fu Lu Shou aka The Three Auspicious Star Lords (三星拱照福祿壽)

Fu Lu Shou (福祿壽) aka Cai Zi Shou (財子壽), translated as Fortune, Prosperity & Longevity, 3 very popular Chinese/Taoist Deities in our Chinese Culture.

During Joyous Occasions or any Big Celebrations, paintings or scrolls of these 3 Deities will be seen. Even though these 3 Deities are so commonly seen, but there are still a lot of people who dont really know who are they or what are their background.

In-order to let the others have a better understanding on these 3 Deities, here I will do a brief & quick introduction on them.

According to our Taoist Records, the earliest period for the term Fu Lu Shou being mention/use is in Ming Dynasty (明朝). Before Ming Dynasty, these 3 Deities are usually being address/call according to their Official Title or any other forms of combined-titles.

Even though they are not known as a Group before Ming Dynasty, but in a lot of Rituals/Ceremonies, the 3 Deities are being invite to be the witnesses and also to provide the necessary blessings for the Mortals.

So what are actually their tasks?

For Fu Xing (福星) aka Fortune Star Lord, he is in-charge of Distributing or Delivering Fortune Luck to Mortals, due to the task or blessing that he has, he is being addressed as Cai Xing (財星) in Hokkien Custom (different from Cai Shen aka Deity of Wealth 與民間所祭祀之財神有所不同).

For Lu Xing (祿星) aka Prosperity Star Lord, he is in-charge of Distributing or Delivering of Prosperity Luck in Career & Academic, besides that, sometime the folks will approached him for the blessing of Children and this is how he got another addressing in Hokkien Custom known as Zi Xing (子星).

For Shou Xing (壽星) aka Longevity Star Lord, he is in-charge of Distributing or Delivering Long-life-span Luck or blessings to Mortals. This is why, during the Grand Birthday Celebration for the Elders, Shou Xing will be invited to give the blessing.

So who are they?

Different Eras, different versions of explanations will being given, but after several eliminating and finalizing, here are a few more accurate versions:

Version 1: made up of all the High Position Natural Deities, which is holding the direct authorities for the distributing & delivering

Fu – Lord Emperor Zi Wei (北極紫微大帝)

Lu – Lord Wen Chang (for academic blessing 九天文昌帝君)

Shou – Lord Emperor Nan Ji (南極長生大帝)

Version 2: made up of Reborn or Reincarnation Zhen (真) & Xian (仙)

Fu – Magistrate Officer Yang Cheng (陽城) aka Yang Kang Zong (陽亢宗), born in Tang Dynasty (CE736-805 生于唐朝年間)

Lu – Emperor Meng Chang (孟昶) aka Zhang Xian (張仙), born in Pre-Song Period (CE919-965 生于五代十國) – (for blessing of getting Children)

Shou – Name unknown (姓名不詳), due to the look of the boy (big head with a big lump on the fore-head), people address him as Shou Xing, born in Pre-Song Period (生于宋朝前,因長相生與傳說中壽星相同,因而得名壽星).

So do normal Homes honoured them?

Usually for normal Homes, we dont really pay respect to them neither making offerings to them.

For homes, we just needed to dedicate statues for them (any type of materials, such as porcelain, clay, wood, etc).

Besides the recording of the Natural Deities & Historical Characters, are we able to see them in real life?

Of cos can. Cause they are Real stars in the Sky.

According to Astrology, these 3 Stars are part of the Star-Group known as Orion, in Chinese Astrology term known as Lie Hu Xing Zuo (獵戶星座), translated as Hunter Star Group.

In Winter Period, if you will to look towards the Southern Hemisphere in the Sky, you will see these 7 Bright Stars. In the center part of the 7 Stars, there a straight-line that consists of 3 Stars, this straight line are the actual form of Fu Lu Shou.

According to the Astrology Study, these 3 Stars will reach the maximum height/point (最高點) on the Eve of Lunar New Year (or in the Past, folks claimed that they have reach the Center of the Heaven 除夕夜), once this happened, then Lunar New Year will arrived or the New Year starts from the moment when the Stars reach the point.

This is how the folks in the Ancient Era mark the arrival of Lunar New Year.

Since this is so, why people invite Deity of Wealth rather then inviting these 3 Stars?

This is One big mistake that the folks made. Due to commercial influences and in-accurate promoting of un-necessary Culture, inviting of Deity of Wealth becomes a trendy to follow, which is not accurate.

To be more accurate or exact, on the Eve of Lunar New Year (after the clock strikes Zi Hour -2300 in Chinese Countries, 0000 in Singapore 子時), the Deities that folks needed to invite or usher in shall be these 3 Stars.

Do we need to choose a Direction?

If you are staying in the Southern part of the World, then no need to choose any Direction, just needed to set an Altar in an open field or area, pay respect to the Heaven above us, call-upon the Official titles of these 3 Star Lords or just address them as Fu Lu Shou, they will be able to get your message.

For those who are not staying in the Southern part of the World, then on the Eve of Lunar New Year, set the Altar facing the South Direction, same thing, called upon them, they will know.

But in other teaching, some of the Directions are invaded by Negative Spirits on the Eve or on the First Day of New Year?

This is due to the invitation of the Deity of Wealth.

If we are going according to this type of saying, then on the Day of other Celebrations or Birthday of Jade Emperor of Heaven, we needed to set an exact direction too. This type of teaching is not Natural, once its not Natural, this is not known as the Culture of Taoism.

For Higher Res Pictures, please proceed to this link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/154895739/pic/list

Long Shan Men Greeting: Happy Lunar Wu Zi Year to All (龍山門賀新春)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

Dear All,

On behalf of Zheng Yi Long Shan Men Taoist Sect, Jave Wu here will like to express my Sincerely & Truely Thanks to those who have given Long Shan men Taoist Sect & me the fullest Support for the past few Years.

Here, I will like to send the New Year Greeting to all of you.

Wishes All, All the best and Successful in whatever you do in the Year of Wu Zi.

Here's a Greeting Banner dedicated to All:

PS: The various Departments under Long Shan Men are here to send the Greetings too.

Lunar Year Customs – 4th Day of Lunar New Year (農曆正月習俗之初四神駕還)

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Category:	Other

Forth Day of Lunar New Year, in Folks Culture, this is the Day that the Deities being sent off on the 24th Day, returning to the Mortal World.

For those who do the Sending-off of Kitchen Deity or any Home Deities, on the 4th Day, a simple Ceremony or Honouring Session will be needed to welcome the Deities back.

During the Ceremony or Honouring Session, a few things will be needed to be prepared for the welcoming back.

So what shall be prepared?

Here are some recommended items:

1 – Nian Gao (年糕)
2 – 1 set of 5 Oranges (五顆桔子)
3 – 3 cups of Tea (三杯清茶)
4 – Huat Kueh (發糕)
5 – Some flowers (5 colours 五色花)
6 – Paper-offerings (normal incense-papers & the Welcoming-back papers - refer to below attachment, do not use the Wrong One)



So what is the timing for the Welcoming Back?

According to the Hokkien Custom, while doing the welcoming back, the timing must be as late as possible.

Reason: The folks believed that, on the Day of the Deities returning back, usually they are drunk or carrying-certain-amount of stuffs. And so, as a Mortal, one self is not supposed to hurry the Deities, must allowed them to have ample-time to return to the Mortal World.

So any more things to be prepared on the 4th Day?

Yes, for those who are preparing to Usher/Welcome in the Deity of Wealth (Jie Cai Shen 接財神), will need to prepare the following items:

1 – Nian Gao (年糕)
2 – 1 set of 5 Oranges (五顆桔子)
3 – 1 Pineapple (黃梨)
4 – 1 set of 5 Apples (五顆蘋果)
5 – 1 set of 5 Chinese Pears (五顆香梨)
6 – 1 Bunch of Bananas (一串香蕉)
7 – 6 sets of Traditional Cookies (六甜)
8 – 6 sets of Vegetarain Items (六素)
9 – 3 cups of Wine (三杯米酒)
10 – 3 cups of Tea (三杯清茶)
11 – Huat Kueh (發糕)
12 – Some flowers (5 colours 五色花)
13 – Paper-offerings (紙料)
14 – Some people will prepare the cooked-stuffs such as chicken, roast pig (三牲禮).

Once ready, the altar will need to set up and the offerings will be placed on the altar to wait for the 5th Day to arrive.

Introduction of Spiritual Wealth Boy of Zhao Cai & Jin Bao (招財進寶童子)

 

Spring has arrived & Lunar New Year is round the corner, here I will do some posting of the Pictures of the Wealth Boy of Zhao Cai & Jin Bao aka Wealth Boy that assist Deities of Wealth in Spreading Luck of Wealth, Prosperity & Fortune (招財進寶童子).

Here, you can see the different forms of Wealth Boy, but actually, most of them are the same. Just that in different Era, different forms are being created and statues are being dedicated to the Boy.

Birthday recorded as 20th Day of Lunar 1 Month & 17th Day of Lunar 9 Month (招財童子誕辰為農曆正月二十日﹐進寶童子誕辰為農曆九月十七日).

So what is their Main Task?

To assist Deities of Wealth to distribute the Luck of Wealth, Prosperity & Fortune, besides that, also to assist in doing recording of the people's names that Deities of Wealth bestowed the luck upon.

So, on the Fifth Day (初五財神日) while you Usher or Welcome in the Deities of Wealth, remember to invite them too.

All the Best and wish All of you here:

Zhao Cai Jin Bao Wan Shi Tong (招財進寶萬事通)

Introduction on Spiritual Animal Suan Ni (神獸狻猊簡介)

Suan Ni (狻猊) aka Jin Ni (金猊) or Ling Ni (靈猊), one of the 10 Spiritual Animals in the Ancient Era (上古十大神獸) and also the Ancient addressing term for Lion.

According to Records, Suan Ni is the 8th Son of First Dragon in the Universe (狻猊為龍之八子). Even though Suan Ni is the son of Dragon, but Suan Ni don’t really have the look of a Dragon, instead, having a look of more to like a Lion.

According to the decription, Suan Ni has a look of big head (生有大頭), with long nose (長鼻) & a big mouth (大嘴). Very long and some said curly hair around the big head (頭繞長卷毛), a long body (as compare to the Lion that we see today 身長), four powerful paws with long sharp pointed nails (強足利甲) and a long bushy tail (溜長羽尾).

Due to Suan Ni is the son of the Dragon, since young, Suan Ni is already being enhanced with Spiritual Power. And so, whenever there are Religious Events going on, Suan Ni will appeared to do protection or guarding, till today, folks still believed in that.

And because of having this type of behaviour, in later part of the Chinese History, after Urn is being invented, Suan Ni is being imported into the art of making of Urn.

Those Masters who make Urn will tend to create 3 Suan Ni at the bottom of the Urn, making the 3 Suan Ni to hold-on to the Urn.

Besides that, the 2 Lion heads that we usually see on the Urn are actually Suan Ni (but due to some external influences and not having enough information of how a Suan Ni looks like, in modern days Urn, usually Qi Lin or Lion head is being replaced with the Suan Ni head).

According to Spiritual Records, once the Urn gets enough incenses-offering from the folks, the Spirits of Suan Ni will be enhanced onto the Urn to do other minor necessary blessing for the folks & area.

Today, in modern World, Suan Ni is being used by Geomancy Masters to represent Spiritual Power (靈氣), Braveness (勇猛) & Strong (堅強). For those who wished to have better luck in whatever one self does, Suan Ni will be used to do the enhancing.

And also, for blessing of Bearing-children.