《丁酉鷄年玉皇大天尊萬壽聖誕》

《丁酉鷄年玉皇大天尊萬壽聖誕》
The Manifestation Anniversary of the Great Supreme Emperor Yu Huang for Year 2017

三清化玉皇，
端月天朝辰時，
誕生玅國。

天公護南土，
大年初九開子，
甘蔗保命。

Starting from 8th Night of Lunar 1st Month (正月初八晚), Taoists & Hokkiens will start to prepare for the Honouring dedicating to Yu Huang Da Tian Zun (玉皇大天尊) aka Great Supreme Emperor Yu Huang.

Once the Clock strikes 0000 hours – 9th Day of Lunar 1st Month (正月初九凌晨正午夜), the Official Honouring will begin and everyone of the Family will need to involve in the Offering of Incenses to Yu Huang and other Deities.

For Year 2017, it falls on 06 Feb, a Sunday.

For more info, please proceed to the following links:

Pictures of Yu Huang (玉皇大天尊圖片分享):

http://javewutaoismplace.blogspot.sg/2007/09/pictures-of-yu-huang-da-tian-zun_5025.html

Intro on Honouring Yu Huang on 9th Day (正月初九日玉皇萬壽聖誕簡介):

http://javewutaoismplace.blogspot.sg/2008/02/lunar-year-customs-9th-day-of-lunar-new_6817.html

History of Tian Gong Bing (天公餅的由來):

http://javewutaoismplace.blogspot.sg/2009/01/history-of-tian-gong-biscuit_7937.html

Intro on Tian Gong Zuo (天公座簡介):

http://javewutaoismplace.blogspot.sg/2008/01/introduction-of-tian-gong-zuo-aka-tian_2266.html

Intro on Walking Thru the Sugar Cane Gate on 9th Day of Lunar 1st Month (甘蔗門簡介):

http://javewutaoismplace.blogspot.sg/2011/02/hokkien-culture-for-honouring-yu-huang_4144.html

玉皇萬壽文化之黃錢通寶 The Yellow Coins for Honouring Yu Huang

黃錢通寶﹐又稱黃長錢﹐黃高錢或黃吊錢﹐民間則稱吊錢和甘蔗錢﹐在上敬三界高真之時所用﹐也是閩南紙禡文化中不可不提到或保留的。 

一般在祭祀時﹐普通信眾只會準備一對黃錢通寶掛於甘蔗上或玉皇聖座兩旁﹐但其實應該以家中成員/年齡/代數﹐來準備黃錢通寶的多寡。 

以下為其簡介﹕ 

1 – 家中只有不多於三代人﹕一對

2 – 家中少于五代人﹕ 三對

3 – 家中多於五代人﹕五對

4 – 子孫超於百人﹕九對

5 – 答謝天恩﹕十二對

今年﹐如果您還未準備﹐請趕緊了﹐因為玉皇萬壽千春即將到來。

在此恭祝各方同道好友﹕

 

初九敬天天降佑。

九九得勝勝長久。

三無量。

大樂心。

Yellow Coins, in Official Taoist terms known as Huang Chang Qian, Huang Gao Qian, Huang Diao Qian or in Traditional Culture known as Diao Qian or Sugar-cane Coins.

In Min-nan aka Hokkien Culture, this is one of the Paper Offerings that is a MUST to have for honouring of High-authorities Deities such as Yu Huang aka Tee Kong.

Due to lack of Introduction or sharing, many Taoists/Hokkiens will only prepare a set/pair of the Yellow Coins to be used during the Honouring of Yu Huang, but in actual facts, there are a certain set of instructions to follow, they are as followed;

1 – for family with less than 3 Generations, prepare 1 set

2 – for family with less than 5 Generations, prepare 3 sets

3 – for family more than 5 Generations, prepare 5 sets

4 – for family with more than 100 Grandchildren or so, prepare 9 sets

5 – for Thanking of Heaven, prepare 12 sets

In case you have yet to prepare the correct number of sets of Yellow Coins, do grab them before the Clock strikes 0000 hrs.

 

May All Be Blessed.

甲午馬年玉皇大天尊萬壽聖誕 The Manifestation Anniversary of the Great Supreme Emperor Yu Huang for Jia Wu Horse Year 2014

Starting from 8th Night of Lunar 1st Month (正月初八晚), Taoists & Hokkiens will start to prepare for the Honouring dedicating to Yu Huang Da Tian Zun (玉皇大天尊) aka Great Supreme Emperor Yu Huang. Once the Clock strikes 0000 hours – 9th Day of Lunar 1st Month (正月初九凌晨), the Official Honouring will begin and everyone of the Family will need to involve in the Offering of Incenses to Yu Huang and other Deities.

For Year 2014, it falls on 08 Feb, a Saturday.

For more info, please proceed to the following links:

Pictures of Yu Huang (玉皇大天尊圖片分享):

http://javewutaoismplace.blogspot.sg/2007/09/pictures-of-yu-huang-da-tian-zun_5025.html

Intro on Honouring Yu Huang on 9th Day (正月初九日玉皇萬壽聖誕簡介):

http://javewutaoismplace.blogspot.sg/2008/02/lunar-year-customs-9th-day-of-lunar-new_6817.html

History of Tian Gong Bing (天公餅的由來):

http://javewutaoismplace.blogspot.sg/2009/01/history-of-tian-gong-biscuit_7937.html

Intro on Tian Gong Zuo (天公座簡介):

http://javewutaoismplace.blogspot.sg/2008/01/introduction-of-tian-gong-zuo-aka-tian_2266.html

Intro on Walking Thru the Sugar Cane Gate on 9th Day of Lunar 1st Month (甘蔗門簡介):

http://javewutaoismplace.blogspot.sg/2011/02/hokkien-culture-for-honouring-yu-huang_4144.html

Long Shan Men honouring Yu Huang of Gui Si Snake Year 2013 (正一龍山門癸巳蛇年玉皇萬壽聖誕)

At about 2330 hours of 9^th Day of Lunar 1^st Month (農曆正月初九日丑時), Long Shan Men (正一龍山門) had conducted a Simple Honouring dedicating to Jade Emperor of Heaven (玉皇大天尊). 

This Year, it was the 4^th Year for Jave to conduct the Honouring at own Place – HQ of LSM, many Thanks to Jave’s Mum for providing the necessary support and assistance in getting the Honouring carried-out smoothly. 

At 2345 hours, Jave’s Mum Offered the 1st Round of Incenses and Beverage.  

Followed by Jave’s offering the 2^nd Round of Incenses and Beverage at 0000 hours. 

At 3rd Round of Offering (三巡茶酒香), which was about 0015 hours, the whole Honouring considered Successfully Done. 

At 0030 hours, Sending Off of the Paper Offerings was being conducted. And also, Thanksgiving to the Earth Deity (答謝當境城隍及土地神祇). 

Upon completion of the Sending Off of the Paper, the Offerings were being transferred to the Main Altar for the Honouring & Rewarding of the other Deities & Heavenly Marshals (犒賞天兵神將) at about 0115 hours. 

In here, will like to wish everyone have a enjoyable Yu Huang Anniversary and may all be Blessed with Prosperity & Good Health.

The Manifestation Anniversary of the Great Yu Huang for Gui Si Snake Year 2013 (癸巳蛇年玉皇大天尊萬壽聖誕)

Starting from 8^th Night of Lunar 1^st Month (正月初八晚), Taoists & Hokkiens will start to prepare for the Honouring dedicating to Yu Huang Da Tian Zun (玉皇大天尊) aka Jade Emperor of Heaven. Once the Clock strikes 0000 hours – 9^th Day of Lunar 1^st Month (正月初九凌晨), the Official Honouring will begin and everyone of the Family will need to involve in the Offering of Incenses to Yu Huang and other Deities.

For more info, please proceed to the following links:

Pictures of Yu Huang (玉皇大天尊圖片分享):

http://javewutaoismplace.blogspot.sg/2007/09/pictures-of-yu-huang-da-tian-zun_5025.html

Intro on Honouring Yu Huang on 9^th Day (正月初九日玉皇萬壽聖誕簡介):

http://javewutaoismplace.blogspot.sg/2008/02/lunar-year-customs-9th-day-of-lunar-new_6817.html

History of Tian Gong Bing (天公餅的由來):

http://javewutaoismplace.blogspot.sg/2009/01/history-of-tian-gong-biscuit_7937.html

Intro on Tian Gong Zuo (天公座簡介):

http://javewutaoismplace.blogspot.sg/2008/01/introduction-of-tian-gong-zuo-aka-tian_2266.html

Intro on Walking Thru the Sugar Cane Gate on 9^th Day of Lunar 1^st Month (甘蔗門簡介):
http://javewutaoismplace.blogspot.sg/2011/02/hokkien-culture-for-honouring-yu-huang_4144.html

 

 

Lorong Melayu Feng Shan Si Yu Huang Wan Shou for Ren Chen Year 2012 (新加坡羅弄馬來由鳳山寺壬辰年玉皇萬壽朝禮)

At 10.00Pm, Jave, Vabien and Royce arrived at Lorong Melayu Feng Shan Si (新加坡羅弄馬來由鳳山寺), upon arrival; the Temple was already crowded with Devotees.

With some quick preparation and a simple round of Honouring, Jave was ready for the conducting of the Honouring dedicated to Jade Emperor of Heaven.

When the Clock strikes 10.45Pm, the Honouring Ritual started with the Cleansing of the Surrounding and Reporting on the Ritual’s Objective.

Once the Clock strikes 1100 Hours, the Ushering in of Jade Emperor of Heaven conducted by Jave & the Official Medium of the Temple was being conducted with All the Devotees followed with Incenses offered to the Deities.

Upon completion of the Ushering & Paying Respect to Jade Emperor of Heaven, the Crossing of the Luck-Blessing Bridge (補運平安橋) was being conducted. 1st the Bridge was being “Enhanced” by the Medium and followed by the Endorsing of the Spiritual Bridge by Jave. Once the Enhancing was done, both Jave & the Official Medium led All the Devotees crossing the Bridge.

At about 12.30Am, Jave, Vabien and Royce made our way back home to conduct our individual Yu Huang Dan Honouring.

Million Thanks to Vabien & Royce for the assistance and also the sharing on the Pictures.

LSM honouring Yu Huang of Ren Chen Year 2012 (正一龍山門主壇之壬辰年玉皇萬壽聖誕)

After assisting Lorong Melayu Feng Shan Si (羅弄馬來由鳳山寺) in conducting the Anniversary Ritual dedicating to Jade Emperor of Heaven aka Yu Huang Da Tian Zun (玉皇大天尊), Jave and Vabien had to rush back to LSM HQ to conduct the Honouring.

At about 1.00Am in the Early Morning of 9th Day of Lunar 1st Month (農曆正月初九日丑時), LSM (正一龍山門) had conducted a Simple Honouring dedicating to Jade Emperor of Heaven (玉皇大天尊).

This Year, it was the 3rd Year for Jave to conduct the Honouring at own Place – HQ of LSM, many Thanks to Jave’s Mum for providing the necessary support and assistance in getting the Honouring carried-out smoothly.

At 1.30Am, Jave’s Mum Offered the 1st Round of Incenses and Beverage.

Followed by Vabien offering the 2nd Round of Incenses and Beverage at 1.45Am.

At 3rd Round of Offering (三巡茶酒香), which was about 2.00Am, the whole Honouring considered Successfully Done.

At 2.30Am, Sending Off of the Paper Offerings was being conducted.

Upon completion of the Sending Off of the Paper, the Offerings were being transferred to the Main Altar for the Honouring & Rewarding of the other Deities & Heavenly Marshals.

After then, Jave & Vabien rushed back to Vabien’s Taoist Premises to conduct the Honouring dedicating to Jade Emperor of Heaven at Long Shan Fei Jie Fu (正一龍山飛捷府).

In the Afternoon of 9th Day of Lunar 1 Month,around 4.00Pm, Jave Wu went back to Lorong Melayu Feng Shan Si (羅弄馬來由鳳山寺) to conduct the 2nd Round of Honouring dedicating to Yu Huang Da Tian Zun.

Million Thanks to Vabien for sharing with us the pictures.

The Manifestation Anniversary of the Great Yu Huang for Ren Chen Year 2012 (壬辰年玉皇大天尊萬壽聖誕)

Starting from 8th Night of Lunar 1st Month (正月初八晚), Taoists & Hokkiens will start to prepare for the Honouring dedicating to Yu Huang Da Tian Zun (玉皇大天尊) aka Jade Emperor of Heaven. Once the Clock strikes 0000 hours – 9th Day of Lunar 1st Month (正月初九凌晨), the Official Honouring will begin and everyone of the Family will need to involve in the Offering of Incenses to Yu Huang and other Deities.

For more info, please proceed to the following links:

Pictures of Yu Huang:
http://javewu.multiply.com/photos/album/126/126

Intro on Honouring Yu Huang on 9th Day:
http://javewu.multiply.com/reviews/item/128

History of Tian Gong Bing:
http://javewu.multiply.com/photos/album/438/438

Intro on Tian Gong Zuo:
http://javewu.multiply.com/photos/album/279/279

Telok Blangah Tian Gong Temple Yu Huang Wan Shou (9th Day) for Xin Mao Year 2011 (新加坡天公廟辛卯年初九日玉皇萬壽朝禮)

On the 9th Day of Lunar 1st Month (農曆正月初九日午後), Jave arrived at Tian Gong Temple in the noon at 1.00Pm to assist in the Actual Day Anniversary Honouring Ritual dedicating to Yu Huang Da Tian Zun (玉皇大天尊) on behalf of Tian Gong Temple (新加坡天公廟).

With the busy crowds in the Temple (approx of over 1500 people honouring on the whole of 9th Day), Jave had to delay the Honouring till about 4.00Pm in the late noon, during the gap in between, Jave was able to chit chat with quite a few old friends who came to pay their respect to Yu Huang Da Tian Zun.

At about 3.30Pm,Ruihe and Royce arrived at the Temple to assist and on the dot of 4.00Pm, the Honouring Ritual started.

With about an hour’s Honouring (see Pics 01 - 06), Jave completed the Ritual and followed by, was to request for the Spiritual & Heavenly Armies for the following Taoist Groups – see Pics 07 - 20:

1) Singapore Jia Fu Jing (新加坡嘉福境)
2) Zheng Yi Long Shan Fei Jie Fu (正一龍山飛捷府)
3) Zheng Yi Long Shan Jia Fu Fu (正一龍山嘉福府)

At about 5.00Pm plus, the whole of the Requesting of Armies and Enhancing of the Flags completed, Jave, Ruihe and Royce assist the Temple to do the cleaning up while we waited for Donnie to come to the Temple to pick us.

Million Thanks to Bro Royce for the assistance and also the sharing on the Pictures.

For Higher Res Pictures, please proceed to this link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/971842460/pic/list

Telok Blangah Tian Gong Temple Yu Huang Wan Shou (8th Night) for Xin Mao Year 2011 (新加坡天公廟辛卯年初八晚玉皇萬壽朝禮)

On the 8th Night of Lunar 1st Month, at 10.00Pm, Jave and Family arrived at Telok Blangah Tian Gong Temple (新加坡天公廟), upon arrival, the Temple was already crowded with Devotees.

With some quick preparation and a simple round of Honouring, Jave was free to assist Tian Gong Temple in entertaining the various Devotees and assisting them in the Honouring.

At about 10.30Pm, Donnie arrived at the Temple to assist in the Anniversary Honouring Ritual dedicated to Yu Huang Da Tian Zun (玉皇大天尊).

When the Clock strikes 11.30Pm, the Anniversary Honouring Ritual started with the Cleansing of the Surrounding and Reporting on the Ritual’s Objective.

Once the Clock strikes 0000 Hours, Donnie was instructed to knock on the Bell for 12 times to inform ALL the Devotees on the Actual Timing of the arrival of Yu Huang’s Anniversary and also, to allow the Devotees to offer their Incenses dedicating to Yu Huang into the Urn. At that moment, we could see that at least over 100 Devotees crowded around the main Urn waiting for the 0000 Hours to arrive.

Upon completion on the Anniversary Honouring Ritual, it was time for Jave to conduct the Luck Blessing and Cleansing Ceremony for the Devotees (補運消厄儀式), out of expectation, a nearly 100 Devotees queue-up for it and with enthusiastic and motivation, the Ceremony was carried-out and it took about 1.5 hours to complete.

At about 1.00Am plus, Jave and Family made our way back home to conduct LSM Old HQ Yu Huang Dan Honouring.

Million Thanks to Donnie for the assistance and also the sharing on the Pictures.

For Higher Res Pictures, please proceed to this link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/1735877697/pic/list

LSM Old HQ honouring Yu Huang of Xin Mao Year 2011 (正一龍山門主壇之辛卯年玉皇萬壽聖誕)

After assisting Telok Blangah Tian Gong Temple (天公廟) in conducting the Anniversary Ritual dedicating to Jade Emperor of Heaven aka Yu Huang Da Tian Zun (玉皇大天尊), Jave and Mum had to rush back to LSM Old HQ to conduct the Honouring.

At 1.30Am in the Early Morning of 9th Day of Lunar 1st Month (農曆正月初九日丑時), Long Shan Men (正一龍山門) had conducted a Simple Honouring dedicating to Jade Emperor of Heaven (玉皇大天尊).

This Year, it was the 2nd Year for Jave to conduct the Honouring at own Place – Old HQ of LSM, many Thanks to Jave’s Mum for providing the necessary support and assistance in getting the Honouring carried-out smoothly.

At 1.45Am, Jave’s Mum Offered the 1st Round of Incenses and Beverage – see Pic 01.

At about 2.00Am, 2nd Round of Incenses and Beverage were being Offered.

At 3rd Round of Offering (三巡茶酒香), which was about 2.15Am, the whole Honouring considered Successfully Done.

At 2.30Am, Sending Off of the Paper Offerings was being conducted.

Upon completion of the Sending Off of the Paper, the Offerings were being transferred to the Main Altar for the Honouring & Rewarding of the other Deities & Heavenly Marshals – see Pic 12.

In the Afternoon of 9th Day of Lunar 1 Month, 12.00Noon, Jave Wu will be in Telok Blangah Tian Gong Temple (天公廟) to conduct the 2nd Round of Honouring dedicating to Yu Huang Da Tian Zun, for those who are interested in joining, please do feel free to drop by.

After then, the whole of LSM existing members and future-to-be members will gather at Donnie’s Place (7th Disciple of 36th Generation 正一龍山門第三十六代七弟子) to conduct the Annual Honouring of Yu Huang of LSM.

For Higher Res Pictures, please proceed to this link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/1008659200/pic/list

Hokkien Culture for Honouring Yu Huang – Walking Thru the Sugar-cane Gate (閩南天公誕習俗-過甘蔗門)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

 

 

In here, Jave will like to share with ALL of you another Traditional Practise/Custom of the Hokkien Clan while the Hokkiens honoured Yu Huang Da Tian Zun (玉皇大天尊) aka Tian Gong (天公) on the 9th Day of Lunar 1st Month (農曆正月初九日).

Due to partially that, Hokkiens were being rescued by Yu Huang during the Late Ming Dynasty (明朝末年) in a Sugar-cane Plantation (甘蔗園), from then, the Hokkiens had been using Sugar Cane as a form of Great Offering dedicating to Yu Huang (供奉甘蔗為上等大禮), for reminding Oneself the Gratitude of Yu Huang and also to keep Oneself in mind that, as a Chinese, we shall Remember All the Assistances that other People had provided for Oneself. In Chinese, this is known as Yin Shui Si Yuan (飲水思源).

This very Traditional and Rare Practise/Custom is known as Walking Thru the Sugar-cane Gate (過甘蔗門) or in some other Records known as Walking Thru the Sugar-cane Garden (行甘蔗園/林).

How this Practise/Custom gets going?

Usually this Practise/Custom will be carried out during the Honouring of Yu Huang during the 9th Day of Lunar 1st Month Morning, can be at Home or in Temple.

It just needed the following items:

1) A Pair of 9feet Sugar-cane with roots and the Sugar-canes must be Fresh & not dried-up
2) 3-5 Pairs of Huang Gao Qian (黃高錢三至五對)
3) 3feet of Red-ribbon (三尺紅綢帶)
4) 1feet of Red-paper cut into 5cm in height and 18cm in length (一尺紅紙條)

Once ready, Bundled the 3-5 Pairs of Huang Gao Qian together, each bundle having 3-5 strings of Huang Gao Qian, then hang the Huang Gao Qian on each Sugar-cane (see Point One).

After that, paste the Red-paper cutting onto each Joint of the Sugar-cane’s Stem (see Point Two).

Last of All, Tied the 2 Sugar-cane together with the Red-ribbon, at the Tip of the Sugar-canes’ Leaves and make it into a Semi-circle Form – just like a Door (see Point Three).



Once the 2 Sugar-canes are being Tied together, place them in front of the Honouring Altar – at least 5feey from the Altar (see Point Four).

Upon completion on the Set-up, everyone in the Family can prepare to make the First Round of Offering of Incenses to Yu Huang (usually will go Three Rounds before Sending-off the Paper-offerings).

After the Second round of Offering of Incenses, everyone in the Family must change to Blue Clothing (藍上衣) & Brown/Black Pants (黑/褐褲). And then, each holding on to 2 White Buns aka Mantou (饅頭).



Before the Third Round of Offering of Incenses, everyone will hold on to the Mantou and Walk Thru the Sugar-cane Gate (Guys will lead 1st and followed by the Women 男先女后) and after returning, the Mantou must be placed on the Red-plate on the Honouring Altar (see Point Five) and everyone had to change back to their Clothing for the Honouring (usually New or Red Clothing). For those who are not able to get Blue-clothing, can use Blue Cloth to tie on the Waist to represent Blue Clothing.



Once the Changing is Done, the Third Round of Offering of Incenses will be conducted and last, the Eldest Member of the Family will lead the Sending-off of the Paper-offerings.

So what is the Main Purpose of this Walking Thru of Sugar-cane Gate (過甘蔗門涵義)?

There are a few meanings:

1) To get rid of All Negative Issues of the Past 12 Months (Walking Thru the Gate)
行過甘蔗門﹐除去過去一年中的一切不如意事

2) To remember the Hardship that our Ancestors had encountered during the Late Ming Dynasty (Wearing Blue Clothing and Black/Brown Pants)
穿藍衣黑褐褲﹐謹記祖先一切教誨/辛勞

3) To get rid of Poverty and Usher in the Good Wealth (Changing Back to New or Red Clothing)
脫去藍衣黑褐褲﹐重新換上新裝﹐是卸去壞運迎接好運

4) Thanking Heaven for giving us a Chance to Live on this World again (The White Buns aka Mantou that we hold on hands while Walking Thru the Gate)
手持饅頭過門﹐感謝上天體恤下民

In Summary

This Practise/Custom may seems a bit Complicated or having Bad-omen (due to the Clothing colour), but this is Fact that what our Ancestors had faced in the past.

Today, we are able to live so comfortably at Home, enjoying the Fruits that our Ancestors had “planted” for us, did we really appreciate what they had given to us?

By going thru such a Practise/Custom, actually it is to remind us or assist us in Deeply-casting-a-mark in our Mind to tell us that, we must Appreciate and show more Concern & Care for the others.

Do not get to bother over little things, when time to put down, lets put down. Our Ancestors can do it, so can We.

Last of All, Treasure what we have now, don’t regret after we lost it.

Hokkien Song on Tian Gong Dan (閩南語賀年金曲-天公誕)

In here, you all will be listening to a Hokkien Lunar New Year Song on Honouring of Yu Huang or in Folks' term - Bai Tian Gong (拜天公).

Hope you all enjoy.

The Great Manifestation of Yu Huang for Xin Mao Year 2011 (辛卯年玉皇大天尊萬壽聖誕)

Starting from 8th Night of Lunar 1st Month (農曆正月初八晚), Taoists & Hokkiens will start to prepare for their Honouring dedicating to Yu Huang Da Tian Zun (玉皇大天尊) aka Jade Emperor of Heaven. Once the Clock strikes 0000 hours – 9th Day of Lunar 1st Month (農曆正月初九日), the Official Honouring will begin and everyone of the Family will need to involve in the Offering of Incenses to Yu Huang and other Deities.

For more info, please proceed to the following links:

Pictures of Yu Huang:
http://javewu.multiply.com/photos/album/126/126

Intro on Honouring Yu Huang on 9th Day:
http://javewu.multiply.com/reviews/item/128

History of Tian Gong Bing:
http://javewu.multiply.com/photos/album/438/438

Intro on Tian Gong Zuo:
http://javewu.multiply.com/photos/album/279/279

For Higher Res Picture of the Poster, please proceed to this link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/858407568/pic/list

Zheng Yi Long Shan Men honouring Tian Gong 2010 (正一龍山門之庚寅年玉皇聖誕)

On the 9th Day Early Morning, Long Shan Men (正一龍山門) had conducted a Simple Honouring dedicating to Jade Emperor of Heaven (玉皇大天尊) at the Main Branch of Long Shan Men in Singapore.

This Year, Jave Wu decided to conduct the Honouring at own Place, 1st reason was, to continue the Traditional Practise that my Ancestors had Pass-down, 2ndly, to do reporting for Jave Wu’s 3rd Round of Taoist Promotion taking place in the upcoming Month and last, to initial the Celebrating of 1135th Anniversary of Long Shan Men that taking place this Year.

At 11.45Pm, Jave Wu and my Mum Offered the 1st Round of Incenses and Beverage. During the Break, Jave Wu and Mum were there to do the Folding of Tian Gong Paper (天公金).

At 0000 Hour, 2nd Round of Incenses and Beverage were being Offered.

At 3rd Round of Offering (三巡茶酒香), which was about 0015 Hour, the whole Honouring considered Successfully Done.

After packing up, at 0030 Hour, Sending Off of the Paper Offerings was being conducted.

Upon completion of the Sending Off of the Paper, the Offerings were being transferred to the Main Altar for the Honouring & Rewarding of the other Deities & Heavenly Marshals.

In the Afternoon of 9th Day of Lunar 1 Month, at about 3.00Pm, Jave Wu and Mum proceed to Telok Blangah Tee Kong Temple (萬壽山天公廟) to conduct the 2nd Round of Honouring dedicating to Yu Huang.

This time round, the Honouring was being conducted on behalf of the Members of Long Shan Men and for those who had sign-up for the Honouring.

As you all can see that the sets of Paper Offerings prepared by the Temple, for those who had sign-up, the set of Paper Offerings were the Items that included in the package.

After 3 rounds of Honouring, some of the Paper Offerings were being retrieved for Sending Off.

The whole of Long Shan Men’s Honouring dedicating to Yu Huang was Successfully conducted and we are looking forward to Next Year’s Honouring.

On the 21st Day of Lunar 1 Month (正月廿一驚螫日), Long Shan Men is being engaged to conduct the Honouring of Tiger Deity (虎神) at Telok Blangah Tee Kong Temple, for those who are interested in taking part, do drop by on that Morning after 8.00Am.

Philippines Lv Shan Bai Jun Dian honouring Tian Gong 2010 (菲律濱正一閭山白軍殿之庚寅年玉皇聖誕)

On the 8th Day Evening of Lunar 1 Month (農曆正月初八晚), Lv Shan Bai Jun Dian (菲律濱正一閭山白軍殿) located in Philippines had started to prepare for the Honouring of Jade Emperor of Heaven (玉皇大天尊) for the Manifestation Anniversary in Geng Yin Year (庚寅年).

At about 8.30Pm, the Members there had started the spreading out of the Offerings and by the time of 11.00Pm plus, the Honouring Officially started.

By the Time the Paper Offerings being Send-off, it was already 2.00Am in the Morning.

Really appreciate the Effort and Sincerity that Members of Lv Shan Bai Jun Dian had put.

May Yu Huang bestowed the necessary Blessing for Lv Shan Bai Jun Dian and also ALL the People in Philippines.

Pictures of Bai Tian Gong aka Honouring Jade Emperor of Heaven (各地拜天公儀式)

In here, is a set of Collection of mine of Pictures on Taoists & Chinese of Various Countries preparing & performing the Honouring of Yu Huang Da Tian Zun (玉皇大天尊) aka Jade Emperor of Heaven, during the 8th Night of Lunar 1 Month (農曆正月初八晚).

In Asia Countries, mostly the Taoists & Chinese will prepare Luxury & Grand Offerings for the Honouring, by doing so, the Taoists & Chinese hope that Tian Gong (天公) will provide them with the necessary Blessings for the Year and also, to request for the World to have Peace & Harmony (國泰民安).

In China, not only the Hokkien Clan will performing the Honouring, but the Teochew & Hakka Clans (潮州及客家籍貫) will also pay their respect to Tian Gong too.

PS: More High-Res Pictures at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/102992834/pic/list

It's Manifestation Anniversary of Yu Huang Da Tian Zun (又是玉皇大天尊萬壽聖誕)

Dear All,

After many days of Preparation, tonight, Taoists & Chinese will be making their Fullest & Sincere-est Respect to Yu Huang Da Tian Zun 玉皇大天尊 (hkk: Tee Kong 天公) in-order to get the necessary Blessings for the New Lunar Ji Chou Year (農曆己丑年).

For those who have yet to get the Offerings, do not worry, you still have another 5 Hours to do the preparation & shopping.

For those who wish to pay Respect to Yu Huang Da Tian Zun on the actual Day Morning, you are encouraged too.

In the following, are some write-ups on this Joyous Event, do go thru them if you have yet to see them:

Introduction on Lunar New Year 8th Day (正月初八簡介) - ref:archive2008:

http://javewu.multiply.com/reviews/item/127

Introduction on Lunar New Year 9th Day - Paying Respect to Tian Gong (正月初九拜天公簡介) - ref:archive2008:

http://javewu.multiply.com/reviews/item/128

History of Tian Gong Biscuits (天公餅之由來) - ref:archiveJan2009:

http://javewu.multiply.com/photos/album/438/438

Preparation for Yu Huang Da Tian Zun's Manifestation Anniversary (玉皇大天尊萬壽聖誕籌備工作) - ref:archiveJan2009:

http://javewu.multiply.com/photos/album/440/440

Preparation for Yu Huang Da Tian Zun's Manifestation Anniversary (玉皇大天尊萬壽聖誕籌備工作)

This Year, Ji Chou Year (己丑年), Long Shan Men (龍山門) will be conducting a Simple Honouring Ceremony for Jade Emperor of Heaven's Manifestation Anniversary (玉皇大天尊萬壽聖誕) at the 7th Disciple's home, located at Bedok North.

Due to on the 8th Night, Long Shan Men will be visiting a few Temples to pay respect to Jade Emperor of Heaven, so we had to set up the Altar and prepared the Offerings 1 Day earlier.

Thanks to the 2nd Disciple of Long Shan Men in assisting me & the 7th Disciple in setting-up the Honouring Altar.

History of Tian Gong Biscuit (天公餅之由來)

Tian Gong Bing aka Tian Gong Biscuit (天公餅), a type of Typical Traditional Hokkien Offering Item for Honouring Jade Emperor of Heaven (玉皇大天尊) on the Manifestation Anniversary.

In Singapore, now we can only able to get the Officially-made Tian Gong Bing in 1 of the Traditional Biscuit Shops in China-Square Building. Due to this is a very Traditional and Old Practice, not much People really know of the procedure of making it and so, the Skill of making such Tian Gong Bing has actually being mis-imparted.

In other Countries such as China & Taiwan, you will tend to see a much more bigger size Tian Gong Bing, but in Singapore, due to Easy-to-Handle, we can only get smaller size Tian Gong Bing during the Lunar New Year Period.

So how to use it during the Honouring?

For Hokkien Customs, on the Leap-Month Year (閏月年), the Hokkien will Offered 13 pieces of Tian Gong Bing on the Manifestation Anniversary, in-order to get the Blessings for the next 13 Months, whereas for a Normal 12 Months Year. 12 pieces will be Offered.

After Offering, the Biscuits can be consumed by the whole Family, if not, the Biscuits can be placed on the Altar for a Year (strange is that, such Biscuits wont turned Bad for a very Long Period).

Okay, back to topic.

So how Tian Gong Bing come about?

According to Hokkien Ancient Records, there are a few versions of the come-about, in here, I will shared with All of you the 2 most Reasonable Myths of Tian Gong Bing.

First: Offering to Celestial Palace (香餅上敬玉皇尊)

On the 24th Day of Lunar 12 Month, after Kitchen Deity (司命灶君) returned back to Heaven to do his Annual Reporting, Jade Emperor of Heaven will tend to throw a Feast to reward the various Deities for the Completion of the Tasks of Looking after the Mortals & Beings in Mortal Realm for the past 12 Months.

During 1 of the Heavenly Feasts, Kitchen Deity took out some of his Offerings that he received from the Mortals and placed them on the Feast Table infront of Jade Emperor of Heaven, in-order to show Jade Emperor of Heaven of how Sincere & Faithful that the Mortals had for the Heavenly Deities.

After taking a look at the little Biscuits that the Mortals made, Jade Emperor of Heaven was quite impressed with the Detailed-patterns decorated on the Biscuits. Immediately, Jade Emperor of Heaven passed an Edict to Kitchen Deity to reward those who had Offered these Biscuits to Kitchen Deity and said, from then onwards, whoever is able to make such nicely-decorated Biscuits, the person and the whole family will be Blessed with Good Luck & Fortune.

Without hesitation, Kitchen Deity received the Edict and returned to Heaven on the Eve of Lunar New Year to Spread the Blessings to the Mortals.

One Year, in a Rural Village in Hokkien Province, on the 8th Night of Lunar 1 Month, a poor family was not able to offer any Offerings to Jade Emperor of Heaven and so, the wife at home was very sad and disappointed. By sitting infront of the Altar of Kitchen Deity in the Kitchen, the wife started to sob sadly and badly.

Upon hearing the sobbing, Kitchen Deity appeared infront of the wife to comfort her. The wife was shocked at first but after Kitchen Deity explained to her that who he was, the wife kneeled infront of Kitchen Deity to tell him about her situation.

After knowing the situation, Kitchen Deity recalled on the Offerings of the Nicely-made Biscuit and so immediately, Kitchen Deity asked the wife to prepare some left-over flour and peanut-dust (cos of too poor, only left with peanut dust and not Full peanut).

Soon the wife gathered all the necessary items and without further delay, Kitchen Deity assist the wife in making the Biscuits. Within moments, the Biscuits were being made. Due to the flour-made-&-bake-Biscuits were in white color, Kitchen Deity found out that, it was not very suitable for such an Joyous Occasion and so, Kitchen Deity took out his Cinnabar Recording Brush to do a Red-mark dotting on the Biscuits.

After the Biscuits got the Dotting from Kitchen Deity, the Biscuits turned to more tasty & nicer-fragrance-emitting Biscuits, which attracted the surrounding neighbours.

Upon knowing that people were rushing to the wife's Kitchen, Kitchen Deity made his leave and told the wife of remember to offer this to Jade Emperor of Heaven on the Manifestation Anniversary, once Jade Emperor of Heaven got the Biscuit Offerings, Jade Emperor of Heaven will Blessed the whole Family. After getting the message, the wife kowtowed to Kitchen Deity for his assistance and soon, the kitchen was flooded with people.

In-order not to reveal the identity of Kitchen Deity, the wife told the people that she dreamt of a Deity to advise her to offer this Biscuit Offering to Jade Emperor of Heaven to get Good Blessing. After getting such a piece of Good News, most of the People rushed back to their homes to prepare the Biscuits for the Manifestation Anniversary on the 9th Day of Lunar 1 Month.

From then, this Tradition was being pass-down till today.

Second: Gratitude to Jade Emperor of Heaven (護命答謝敬玉皇)

On the Day, after returning from the Sugar-cane Plantation, the Hokkiens started to prepare for the Thanksgiving Offering for Jade Emperor of Heaven for saving their lives.

Due to just returned from the disaster of almost got Barbarians' Slaugthering, the Hokkiens were too broke to get Luxury Offerings for the honouring of Jade Emperor of Heaven and so, among the Hokkiens, one of the Elders from the Village made a comment.

The Elder suggested of making Offerings from Flour & Sugar-cane (Sugar extracted from Sugar-cane). Immediately, Positive Agreement was heard and without further delay, the Hokkiens started to prepare the Flour-made Offerings.

Just at the moment of the starting of making Offering from the Flour Dough, someone made a comment of what items to make. Immediately, another commotion arise. After a short moment of discussion, the Hokkiens came to an agreement of making Flour-made-Biscuits with Sugar-peanut Fillings.

Soon, the preparation got into place and different Families made into various shapes & patterns Biscuits to differentiate the Biscuits came from different Families.

After completion, the Elder whom suggested the making of the Biscuits was being invited to the front Altar to offer the Biscuits to Jade Emperor of Heaven. Just before he offered the Biscuits, he saw that the Biscuits were too plain and so, the Elder look around and he saw some Red Prunes hanging on the Prune-trees. He walked towards the Trees and plucked a few of the Prunes. Upon getting the Prunes, he returned back to the Altar and squeezed the juice out from the Red Prunes and then, do a little dotting onto the Biscuits.

As he performed the dotting, he annouced to the Hokkiens that, by doing the Red Dotting, everyone in the Village (Province) will be Blessed with Red-hot Fortune & Luck.

After getting the annoucement, All the Hokkiens shouted with Joyous and kneeled onto the Ground to return their Gratitude to Jade Emperor of Heaven.

As a form of Highest Respect to Jade Emperor of Heaven, the Hokkiens addressed this type of Biscuits as Tian Gong Bing.

From then, it was being pass-down till now.

PS: Thanks to Juin Wen for providing us with the Pictures of Tian Gong Bing