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