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	<title>Penang, the loveliest island of all Malaysian islands</title>
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		<title>Penang, the loveliest island of all Malaysian islands</title>
		<link>http://penangisland.wordpress.com</link>
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			<item>
		<title>&#8220;Adsense Treasure&#8221; Review:</title>
		<link>http://penangisland.wordpress.com/2009/04/11/adsense-treasure-review/</link>
		<comments>http://penangisland.wordpress.com/2009/04/11/adsense-treasure-review/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2009 17:15:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>nyonyapearl</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogroll]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home to make money]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://penangisland.wordpress.com/2009/04/11/adsense-treasure-review/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Wow, this one blew me away. What you get is a ready made website. The website runs automatically, you never have to maintain it. I got one and it’s been bringing in around $1000 month for me. I absolutely love it.
I give Adsense Treasure a score of 5/5 (5 out of 5)
Click below for more [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=penangisland.wordpress.com&blog=1344736&post=137&subd=penangisland&ref=&feed=1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class='snap_preview'><br /><p>Wow, this one blew me away. What you get is a ready made website. The website runs automatically, you never have to maintain it. I got one and it’s been bringing in around $1000 month for me. I absolutely love it.</p>
<p>I give Adsense Treasure a score of 5/5 (5 out of 5)</p>
<p>Click below for more info, check out his Porsche: </p>
<p>http://abid.in/paypal/?e=PearlyShells </p>
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			<media:title type="html">nyonyapearl</media:title>
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		<title>Hungry Ghost Festival</title>
		<link>http://penangisland.wordpress.com/2008/08/22/hungry-ghost-festival/</link>
		<comments>http://penangisland.wordpress.com/2008/08/22/hungry-ghost-festival/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:59:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>nyonyapearl</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Malaysian Chinese]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Malaysian Culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[butterworth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chinese ancestry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[geneology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chinese Opera]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hungry Ghost Festival]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Karaoke]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ko Tai]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Puppet Show]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://penangisland.wordpress.com/?p=132</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hungry Ghost festival are meant to feed hungry souls. Souls who have no one to offer them food during this auspicious month when they are let out to wander Earth.

Traditionally we offer prayers to ancestors spirits first that is first to 15th of the month. Chinese opera shows are arranged to allow the ancestors spirits [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=penangisland.wordpress.com&blog=1344736&post=132&subd=penangisland&ref=&feed=1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class='snap_preview'><br /><p>Hungry Ghost festival are meant to feed hungry souls. Souls who have no one to offer them food during this auspicious month when they are let out to wander Earth.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-133 aligncenter" src="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/kingofhades.jpg?w=300&#038;h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>Traditionally we offer prayers to ancestors spirits first that is first to 15th of the month. Chinese opera shows are arranged to allow the ancestors spirits to have some celebration. Usually for the ancestors, it is nothing elaborate. You can read how we offer to <a class="alignleft" title="Hungry Ghost Festival for Kee Ancestors" href="http://www.my-island-penang.com/Hungry-Ghost-Festival.html" target="_blank">Ancestors</a> here:</p>
<p>What is seen more important are the prayers to the lost souls. To the business people, these lost souls need to be appease for two reasons.</p>
<p>One, since they are lost souls and no one cares to feed them so it is very charitable to do so. It is a common sight near wet market in Penang and Butterworth. From the fifteen to the end of the month, food sellers and local businesses took turn nightly to offer the grandest they could afford.</p>
<p>Some arrange for Chinese operas, puppet shows or even had Karaoke or Ko Tai for the King of Hades. I caught this in Prai Megamall this weekend where auctions for the living are held.</p>
<p>Second reason, better feed this hungry ghost or spirit or they create havoc  for your business.</p>
<p>But sometimes I wonder what next they will perform.</p>
<p>Beside having big feast daily for 1 month or 2 weeks, puppets shows, Chinese opera performances or young  girls singing in the heat of the night clad in tiny clothings barely covering their bodies, now there is Auctions.</p>
<div id="attachment_134" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 310px"><img class="size-medium wp-image-134" src="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/hungryghostfestival.jpg?w=300&#038;h=225" alt="Auction Item" width="300" height="225" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Auction Item</p></div>
<p>So called black gold, gold stuffs or precious artifacts are donated or sponsored for bidding. On a particular night towards the end of the month,  the locals and committees member of this community will bid for the blessed items. The highest bidder will claim the item. These items are  suppose to be lucky charm and have been blessed by the spirit mediums.  The lucky winner can expect some kind of prosperity  during the year.</p>
<p>In turn the following year, he will then pay back to sum or amount he had bid. How about this?</p>
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			<media:title type="html">nyonyapearl</media:title>
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			<media:title type="html">Auction Item</media:title>
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		<item>
		<title>Traditional Nyonya Wedding &#8211; Past and Present</title>
		<link>http://penangisland.wordpress.com/2008/05/12/traditional-nyonya-wedding-past-and-present/</link>
		<comments>http://penangisland.wordpress.com/2008/05/12/traditional-nyonya-wedding-past-and-present/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 12 May 2008 12:57:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>nyonyapearl</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Baba and Nyonya Wedding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chinese Wedding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Indian Culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Indian Weddings]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Muhibbah Culture Wedding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nyonya Wedding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Penang Heritage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Penang Malaysia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Taoist Cultures]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://penangisland.wordpress.com/?p=126</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[How shall we organize a traditional Nyonya wedding?   As we love to combine old traditions to present day society and culture, we share some thoughts of some points we consider while preparing the mixed cultural wedding.
You have probably heard the popular wedding tradition saying before, but not every bride to be knows exactly where [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=penangisland.wordpress.com&blog=1344736&post=126&subd=penangisland&ref=&feed=1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class='snap_preview'><br /><p>How shall we organize a traditional Nyonya wedding?   As we love to combine old traditions to present day society and culture, we share some thoughts of some points we consider while preparing the mixed cultural wedding.</p>
<p>You have probably heard the popular wedding tradition saying before, but not every bride to be knows exactly where it originated from or what the meaning behind the saying is. It is a darling saying and is one of the only wedding traditions in today&#8217;s society which makes some sense. It is a cute tradition &#8211; one which is performed to bring good luck to the newlywed couple.</p>
<p><em><strong>The traditional saying is: Something old, something new, Something borrowed, something blue. And a silver sixpence in her shoe.</strong></em></p>
<p>So following the tradition of having something old, my daughter choose to wear a hundred years old Nyonya red gown for her mixed cultural wedding,  kind of like a link to the mother who she loves.  There are many things you can use as theme to rekindle &#8220;something old for your wedding.</p>
<p>And for something new, which means optimism and hope for the future. It sends the message that both the newly weds are creating a new union that will endure the test of time. Many brides choose to use a red wedding sari or bridal gown, flowers or rings to symbolize the &#8220;something new&#8221; in this tradition.</p>
<p>Something Borrowed, for that if you borrow an item from your happily married grandmother or mother, you can fulfill both of these meanings. Uvaraani chooses an hundred&#8217;s years old <em><strong>Sapu tangan</strong></em> <em><strong>Nyonya</strong></em> (Nyonya handkerchief) to wrap around the coconut she took to her new house on her wedding day. Doing this lets your parents (or grandparents) know that you admire their marriage and the respect they have for each other and that you hope to have an equally happy marriage.</p>
<p>Something Blue: The color blue has been connected to weddings for centuries as a symbol of love, modesty, fidelity, good luck, purity and loyalty. Many brides incorporate this color into their clothing, by either wearing a blue stoned jewelry item or wearing a blue garter. However for a modern spin, you could use blue toe nail polish, blue eye shadow, a blue ribbon tied into your flowers, blue underwear, even wear light blue shoes! The possibilities are endless and limited only by your imagination.</p>
<p>A Lucky Sixpence: A sixpence in the bride&#8217;s shoe represents wealth and financial security. For optimum fortune, the sixpence should be worn in the left shoe. What I did as her mother, without her knowing was places an old coin in her coconut she carries.  An old wives tale mention that both couple wont hide their wealth from each other.</p>
<p>As for Jivan and Uvaraani, honoring the something old, new borrowed, blue tradition by having a Muhibbah Nyonya and Indian Wedding seems an unforgettable day. Although some items are supposed to bring good luck to the bride, they are</p>
<p><a class="alignleft" title="Traditional Wedding" href="http://www.my-island-penang.com/Nyonya-Wedding.html" target="_blank">following this tradition to honor people close to them on their wedding day.</a></p>
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			<media:title type="html">nyonyapearl</media:title>
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		<title>The end of the World, Teluk Bahang</title>
		<link>http://penangisland.wordpress.com/2008/03/29/the-end-of-the-world-teluk-bahang/</link>
		<comments>http://penangisland.wordpress.com/2008/03/29/the-end-of-the-world-teluk-bahang/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 29 Mar 2008 16:59:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>nyonyapearl</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Batu Ferringhi Beach]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Blogroll]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Green Turtles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kuala Sungai Pinang]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Meromictic Beach]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Muka Head]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pantai Kerachut]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Teluk Bahang]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Meromictic Lake]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mutiara Hotel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pantia Kerachut]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[penang]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://penangisland.wordpress.com/?p=124</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We got back from Teluk Bahang full of encouragement. Knowing the well-known  beautiful beach, shady recesses and lush greenery are naturally there to protect  this part of Penang Island. We feel so connected and the presence of  rejuvenation is evident from the mangroves, the refreshing forest, the wildlife  and not forgetting [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=penangisland.wordpress.com&blog=1344736&post=124&subd=penangisland&ref=&feed=1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class='snap_preview'><br /><p>We got back from <a href="http://www.my-island-penang.com/Teluk-Bahang.html" title="Teluk Bahang" target="_blank">Teluk Bahang</a> full of encouragement. Knowing the well-known  beautiful beach, shady recesses and lush greenery are naturally there to protect  this part of Penang Island. We feel so connected and the presence of  rejuvenation is evident from the mangroves, the refreshing forest, the wildlife  and not forgetting birth. The careful sanctuary of turtle conservation. So we  got more the just sun and sand.</p>
<div align="center"><a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/diggingkepah.jpg" title="Digging kepah in Sungai Tukun"><img src="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/diggingkepah.jpg" alt="Digging kepah in Sungai Tukun" /></a></div>
<p>I enjoyed the boatride, <a href="http://www.my-island-penang.com/Teluk-Bahang-Shorelines.html" target="_blank">the shorelines</a> simply thrills me to no end. It is indeed heavenly to be there.</p>
<p>The beach aside, Teluk Bahang is also home to a recreational forest where  visitors will have the chance to check out the many different and unique species  of Penang’s flora and fauna. This 100ha stretch also has a Forestry Museum. Muka  Head or Monkey beach as it is also known is historically important as the  lighthouse is are one of the three beacon of light to sea faring man.</p>
<p>The turtle station or hatchery passionately looked after by the USM student  is commendable. I was impressed by the replies they gave as I observed full  dedication and loving hands as they helped in the hatchery. There is hope for  this baby turtles.</p>
<p>There are a few interesting  spots worth your time to check it out.   The Teluk Bahang Butterfly Farm, where you will find yourself surrounded by more  than 3,000 butterflies.</p>
<p>The waters from the Teluk Bahang Hills provide water for the Teluk Bahang  Dam. The Kuala Sungai Pinang mangrove is impressive. Local resident, migratory  birds, wildlife, crabs prawns are good reason to explore these lush green  vegetation.</p>
<p>Sungai Tukun has good recreational ground for camping and fun. Pantai Keranchut with the meromictic lake looks meaningful if water lever is high enough to observe the Meromixts.</p>
<p>Mutiara Hotel or Resort is no longer in use. The seafood restaurant has shifted near to the roundabout. In its place is the Penang National Park.</p>
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			<media:title type="html">Digging kepah in Sungai Tukun</media:title>
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		<title>Sri Singamuga Kaliamman Floating Procession</title>
		<link>http://penangisland.wordpress.com/2008/02/25/sri-singamuga-kaliamman-floating-procession/</link>
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		<pubDate>Mon, 25 Feb 2008 07:36:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>nyonyapearl</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Batu Ferringhi Beach]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Blogroll]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Floating Chariot Procession]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Indian Culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Indian customs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Malaysian Indians]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sea Chariot]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sri Singamuga Kaliamman]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Teluk Bahang]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Batu Ferringhi Beaches]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[penang]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[The Sri Singamuga Kaliamman Floating Procession is the only unique Indian festival in Penang. Why, well the main highlights is a floating chariot procession where the lady deity with a lion as her companion or what the Indians called her vehicle take a ride to the sea.



Strong men shoulders her to a specially prepared, heavily [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=penangisland.wordpress.com&blog=1344736&post=122&subd=penangisland&ref=&feed=1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class='snap_preview'><br /><p>The Sri Singamuga Kaliamman Floating Procession is the only unique Indian festival in Penang. Why, well the main highlights is a floating chariot procession where the lady deity with a lion as her companion or what the Indians called her vehicle take a ride to the sea.</p>
<p><a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/telukbahangtemple6a.jpg" title="Teluk Bahang Floating Chariot Procession"></p>
<div style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/telukbahangtemple6a.jpg" alt="Teluk Bahang Floating Chariot Procession" /></div>
<p></a></p>
<p>Strong men shoulders her to a specially prepared, heavily decorated floating chariot for a sea ride around the sea of Teluk Bahang.</p>
<p>The usual festivals commences a week before the main festival day. Days before the locals communities of Teluk Bahang heads each day to offer prayers or free food to the devotees coming to pay homage to &#8220;Ammah&#8221;, known to us as <a href="http://www.my-island-penang.com/Sri-Singamuga-Kaliamman.html" title="Sri Singamuga" target="_blank">Sri Singamuga Kaliamman</a>. Rather long right, so we addressed her as &#8220;Ammah&#8221;.  As she is their protector and many villages or fisherman  there have tales to share with you.Some will tell you how they were guided to safety whenever big storm are about to come.  Some remembers the Tsunami that were turned away miraculously. No ones lives were lost or in trouble in the Teluk Bahang sea.</p>
<p>Such were her powers that yearly thousands of devotees form all over Malaysia and Singapore never failed to make their journey home to offer homage for their success in life.</p>
<p>Beautiful styrofoam dishes of light floated in the dusk of the Teluk Bahang sea. But this year, she circles the sea early and <a href="http://www.my-island-penang.com/Floating-Chariot-Procession.html" title="The floaitng Procession" target="_blank">return to land</a> as before the total lunar eclipse starts to dazzle us.</p>
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			<media:title type="html">nyonyapearl</media:title>
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			<media:title type="html">Teluk Bahang Floating Chariot Procession</media:title>
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		<title>Dough Figures Sculpturing</title>
		<link>http://penangisland.wordpress.com/2008/01/31/dough-figures-sculpturing/</link>
		<comments>http://penangisland.wordpress.com/2008/01/31/dough-figures-sculpturing/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 31 Jan 2008 02:22:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>nyonyapearl</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogroll]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chinese Folk Art]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dough Figures]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dough Sculpturing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gurney]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Penang Malaysia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Queensbay]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Well, Chinese New Year shopping leads me to Queensbay, got some stuff I wanted. Queensbay Mall is huge with shopping complexes in four wings.
When you want to get something, be sure you know which wing the particular shop is located. Example, the furthest south wing end where Baskin Robbins. That is not difficult as you [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=penangisland.wordpress.com&blog=1344736&post=120&subd=penangisland&ref=&feed=1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class='snap_preview'><br /><p>Well, Chinese New Year shopping leads me to Queensbay, got some stuff I wanted. Queensbay Mall is huge with shopping complexes in four wings.</p>
<p>When you want to get something, be sure you know which wing the particular shop is located. Example, the furthest south wing end where Baskin Robbins. That is not difficult as you would have to drive around the roundabout to park your vehicle in the car park.</p>
<p>There are 5 levels for you to shop till you drop (concourse, ground, 1st, 2nd and 3rd level)</p>
<p>If you happen to be one that loves branded stuff, names like Harvey Norman, Liz Claiborne, Gap, Borders, La Senza, Nike, Hallmark and Tag Heuer.</p>
<p>Food, who misses food? Ahhh&#8230;patrons sitting down in reputable new fashionable tables and chairs in  TGI Friday, House of Paddington and Bakerzin.  Baskin Robbins and Starbuck as usual earned their place at strategic wing.</p>
<p>So if you are someone who loves shopping in these happening place, Queensbay is for you but me, Chinese folk art by Master Xu led me there.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2008/01/dough-figure-master-xu.jpg" title="Dough Figure master Xu Shi Ying"><img src="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2008/01/dough-figure-master-xu.jpg" alt="Dough Figure master Xu Shi Ying" /></a></p>
<p align="left">Walking and shopping around the huge  mall, it seem no end is in sight until Chandra and I saw a public display of paintings, paper cuttings, museum pieces of figurine and candy blowing.</p>
<p>I got fascinated when I saw a Chinese older man patiently and intricately brushing away little figurine. Gosh, he really had such patience. That probes me to  move away from my shopping and watch him in action.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.my-island-penang.com/Dough-Figure-Sculpturing.html" title="Dough Figures" target="_blank">Read how this made me went back</a> between Queensbay and Gurney to watch their exhibition and display.</p>
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			<media:title type="html">nyonyapearl</media:title>
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			<media:title type="html">Dough Figure master Xu Shi Ying</media:title>
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		<title>Thaipusam in Penang</title>
		<link>http://penangisland.wordpress.com/2007/12/31/thaipusam-in-penang/</link>
		<comments>http://penangisland.wordpress.com/2007/12/31/thaipusam-in-penang/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 31 Dec 2007 02:15:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>nyonyapearl</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[9feet spear skewering ritual]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Air Itam Penang]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Batu Gantong Cemetery]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Indian Culture]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Malaysian Indians]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Penang Heritage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Penang Jesselton Road]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thaipusam]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[penang blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fulfilling vows and penance the indian way]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hooks and spears on faces]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Indian Festivals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Indian Pilgrimage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Penang Thaipusam]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thaipusam in Penang]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Another year is here, so may I wish you a Happy Awesome and fanstatic New Year 2008!!!
January is an exciting month for us Penang people as the Thaipusam festival is here again. Last year was my first year as I went around four full days with Chandra, my Indian hubby.   We met lots [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=penangisland.wordpress.com&blog=1344736&post=118&subd=penangisland&ref=&feed=1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class='snap_preview'><br /><p>Another year is here, so may I wish you a Happy Awesome and fanstatic New Year 2008!!!</p>
<p>January is an exciting month for us Penang people as the Thaipusam festival is here again. Last year was my first year as I went around four full days with Chandra, my Indian hubby.   We met lots of people and foreigners and every one wanted to know what is going on. So our days were spent meeting new friends, having them together with us as they were so awe inspired and fascinated by this festival</p>
<p><a href="http://www.my-island-penang.com/Thaipusam-Penang.html" title="Thaipusam 2007" target="_blank">Read our experience last year.</a></p>
<p>This year we are organising a tour to help those interested. From early morning before the real Thaipusam day till the second day evening. The pictures both taken day and night adds to your memory. It is defitenely as kick ass lifetime experience for many who were with us last year.</p>
<p>Some said it is amazing what people do to fulfill their wishes. As for me, I only know taking pictures without really watching cos I was scared and cannot bear seeing the big hooks. In some instance, our new found friends were in tears seeing them in spears, hooks hanging on their faces and back. Join our tour this year. And learn form Chandra an insider propsective of <a href="http://www.my-island-penang.com/Thaipusam-Tour.html" title="Thaipusam Tour" target="_blank">Thaipusam</a>.</p>
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		<title>Birthday of Nine Emperor Gods Deputies</title>
		<link>http://penangisland.wordpress.com/2007/11/09/birthday-of-nine-emperor-gods-deputies/</link>
		<comments>http://penangisland.wordpress.com/2007/11/09/birthday-of-nine-emperor-gods-deputies/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 09 Nov 2007 14:37:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>nyonyapearl</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[9 Emperor Gods]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[9feet spear skewering ritual]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Blogroll]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cheng Jee Chan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cheng Ji Can]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Cheng Kon Sez Temple]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cheng Kon Sze]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chinese Coolies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dao Mo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fire Walking Ceremony]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ghee Hin Secret Society]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hai San]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Kek Lok Si Temple]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Malaysian Chinese]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[chinese ancestry]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[passing the Taoist fort]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[A week after the Nine Emperor Gods festival, we were invited to attend a dinner celebration for the devotees of Tow Boo Kong Taoist Temple in Butterworth.
Chandra and I thought, it must a kind of thanksgiving dinner for the devotees, the committee members and the organizing members of the Nine Emperor Gods celebration. Since it [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=penangisland.wordpress.com&blog=1344736&post=92&subd=penangisland&ref=&feed=1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class='snap_preview'><br /><p>A week after the Nine Emperor Gods festival, we were invited to attend a dinner celebration for the devotees of Tow Boo Kong Taoist Temple in Butterworth.</p>
<p>Chandra and I thought, it must a kind of thanksgiving dinner for the devotees, the committee members and the organizing members of the Nine Emperor Gods celebration. Since it was a saturday night and our legs were itching to get out off the house, we went.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/tow-boo-kong-temple-dinner.jpg" title="Thanksgiving Dinner at Tow Boo Kong Temple">Thanksgiving Dinner at Tow Boo Kong Temple</a></p>
<p>And off we went, dressed up for a dinner party in the Tow Boo Kong temple ground. We arrive to see a different scenario.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/9-emperor-gods-deputies-in-butterworth.jpg" title="Nine Emperor Gods Deputies Birthday in Tow Boo Kong"><img src="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/9-emperor-gods-deputies-in-butterworth.jpg" alt="Nine Emperor Gods Deputies Birthday in Tow Boo Kong" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><strong><em><font color="#ff00ff">9 Emperor God Deputies Birthday Celebration</font></em></strong></p>
<p>Curious, we walked to the temple ground after parking the car which I have made a dent when reversing. I was not in a happy mood after denting the car but still made myself presentable.  Anyway, it looked like another big celebration going on. We saw devotees bringing food stuffs, sweets for children, birthday cakes and big bottles of sweets in a PACIFER bottles!</p>
<p><a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/sweets-birthday-cakes-or-goodies-for-the-tai-chu-in-butterworth.jpg" title="Goodies for the Baby Gods or Deputies of Nine Emperor Gods"></a></p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/birthday-cakes-goodies-for-the-tai-chu-in-butterworth.jpg" title="Goodies for the Deputies in Butterworth"><img src="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/birthday-cakes-goodies-for-the-tai-chu-in-butterworth.jpg" alt="Goodies for the Deputies in Butterworth" /></a></p>
<p align="center"> <em><strong><font color="#ff00ff">Goodies for the Baby Gods or Deputies of Nine Emperor Gods</font></strong></em></p>
<p>Was I going to laugh or keep quiet. Being inquisitive, I asked around and was told. It was a double celebration. The dinner together with offering thanksgiving prayers for the deputies who worked so hard during the Nine Emperor Gods festivals. The deputies or Siam Tai Chu or baby gods entertained us with their mights in sword play, throwing of the spikey ball, firewalking, playing with oil and spear skewering.</p>
<p>Outside the temple, cooks were getting the course dinner ready for the diners.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/devotees-attending-the-birthday-celebration-of-9-emperor-gods-deputies-in-butterworth.jpg" title="Guest for Birthday Dinner in Butterworth"><img src="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/devotees-attending-the-birthday-celebration-of-9-emperor-gods-deputies-in-butterworth.jpg" alt="Guest for Birthday Dinner in Butterworth" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><font color="#ff00ff"><strong><em>Devotees at the Birthday celebration of Siam Tai Chu Tow Boo Kong Temple</em></strong></font></p>
<p>In the compound, where we saw fire-walking, fort crossing, hot oil being played, now in place were tables lined with red cloth. No longer yellow cloth, no more vegetarian food in sight. On the ground now, were temporary shed for the Siam Tai Chu (Nine Emperor Gods Deputies) tables of food offering.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/puppet-show-in-tow-boo-kong-temple.jpg" title="Puppet Show in Tow Boo Kong Temple Butterworth"><img src="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/puppet-show-in-tow-boo-kong-temple.jpg" alt="Puppet Show in Tow Boo Kong Temple Butterworth" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><font color="#ff00ff"><em><strong>Puppets show for the Birthday celebration of Nine Emperor Gods Deputies, The Siam Tai Chus&#8217;<br />
</strong></em></font></p>
<p>Puppets show was shown to the delights of the crowd. Gosh how long ago was this? Puppet show or &#8220;Char Kar Lay&#8221; after the Chinese opera all in one month. It really makes me miss my childhood. We used to bring our own stools to the market place during these types of festivals, like Hungry Ghost or Nine Emperor Gods. It was real fun, no worries and escape dad strict watch out. Girls cannot stay out till late at night, but for these kind of festivals, he relaxes his rules.</p>
<p>Girlie came and we got to the table.  This lady LOR CHU was very popular after having performed all the roles and responsibility without any hinges. The devotees smiled and shook her hands. Standing beside her, Chandra and I felt very happy for her.</p>
<p>Her two assistant Lor Chu were supportive, her 36 managers crowded around the table where we sat.  Fun, chats and jokes were cracked happily.  Chandra and I were formerly introduced to the group but we have seen them during the Nine Emperor Gods festival.
</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/girlie-chuah-presiding-trustee-karaoking-to-the-delights-of-the-butterworth-devotees.jpg" title="Girlie Karaoke to the delight of the crowd"><img src="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/girlie-chuah-presiding-trustee-karaoking-to-the-delights-of-the-butterworth-devotees.jpg" alt="Girlie Karaoke to the delight of the crowd" /></a></p>
<p>The main temple committee Chairman and some important community leaders made speeches. For entertainment, karaoke was the common  event to have during Chinese dinner. So who do you think was called to sing?  Your guess is as good as mine. By popular request, the Presiding LOR CHU sang three numbers, an english old song and two mandarin oldies.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/triumphant-over-the-highest-auction-rm12888.jpg" title="Bidding for the biggest Yellow sack"><img src="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/triumphant-over-the-highest-auction-rm12888.jpg" alt="Bidding for the biggest Yellow sack" /></a></p>
<p align="center"> <font color="#ff00ff"><em><strong>Girlie and her managers auctioning for the biggest yellow sack</strong></em></font></p>
<p>Then there was an auction of the yellow Sack which were money or donation collected during the various events of the Nine Emperor Gods festivals. There were more then five auctions done that night.This yellow sack of price money are considered pure money from the devotees. And having being blessed by the Gods, every bussiness man wants to have this precious gift.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/the-winners-of-the-highest-auction.jpg" title="Winners of the highest auction"><img src="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/the-winners-of-the-highest-auction.jpg" alt="Winners of the highest auction" /></a></p>
<p align="left">The highest bid was Rm12888 and equally shared by five people. The bid started off by one person but when it got higher, more friends joined in to contribute to make the bid higher. You should see the fun they had, shouting to raise the bid, some backing off. When it reaches over RM10,000, five people decided to make one last attempt to close it at RM11,999 but was toppled. And they bid again so they could get the highest. The highest finally went to Girlie and her managers at RM12888. Easily that night, they collected over RM60,000.</p>
<p align="center"> <a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/yam-seng-david-gang.jpg" title="Yam Seng, Chinese ways of good times"><img src="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/yam-seng-david-gang.jpg" alt="Yam Seng, Chinese ways of good times" /></a></p>
<p align="left">David, Girly&#8217;s brother (3rd from left) joined by his mates cheered after Girly won the auction. Any chance for drinking, they will drink, dance and merry making. While they challenged each other to drink, I cant helped but be amused by ladies challenging man to DRINK!</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/the-deputies-or-siam-thai-chu-of-butterworth-nine-emperor-gods-temple.jpg" title="The Nine Emperor God Deputies"><img src="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/the-deputies-or-siam-thai-chu-of-butterworth-nine-emperor-gods-temple.jpg" alt="The Nine Emperor God Deputies" /></a></p>
<p align="left">The drinking and merry making would not have stopped if the gongs and cymbals for the arrival of the Nine Emperor Gods is not sounded. No one would run to the other part of the temple.</p>
<p align="left">I went over to witness, as one by one of the deputies getting into trance like state. Ooh aren&#8217;t they happy when they arrived. Pacifiers in their mouth, hair tied up in hill like style. Seeing all the food and goodies on the table, they started to get excited. Instead of eating, the devotees tease them to give the goodies to them.</p>
<p align="left"><a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/siam-tai-chu-giving-away-gifts.jpg" title="The Deputies giving away goodies in Tow Boo Kong Temple Butterworth"></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/siam-tai-chu-giving-away-gifts.jpg" title="The Deputies giving away goodies in Tow Boo Kong Temple Butterworth"><img src="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/siam-tai-chu-giving-away-gifts.jpg" alt="The Deputies giving away goodies in Tow Boo Kong Temple Butterworth" /></a></p>
<p align="left">Right in front of my eyes, they climbed up the table and started to distribute to the shouts of the crowds. It was so funny seeing the deputies teasing the devotees back. Some devotees were lucky to receive big packets of goodies, some just got a sweet. Within half an hour, all the food, fruit, cakes and sweets were thrown and distributed by the deputies.</p>
<p align="left">On the same night, the following year teams of managers were drawn through lucky draw  were chosen.  About 200 over names were placed and volunteered by devotees or surrounding communities people. Those chosen will be next year deputies &#8220;manager&#8221;, the human guardian for the deputies.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/approving-the-winnings.jpg" title="Approving the Yellow Sack winning in Butterworth"><img src="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/approving-the-winnings.jpg" alt="Approving the Yellow Sack winning in Butterworth" /></a></p>
<p align="left">Before midnight, all the yellow sack must be blessed by the Siam Tai Chu before taking  home.  So I followed them to the altar and observed the whole process of signing and blessing the yellow sack.</p>
<p align="left">Contrary to what people think, this Tow Boo Kong is not a rich man&#8217;s temple. It is the ordinary community people or traders  temple. Why, because to built this temple, the ordinary people donated freely towards the funds and present day maintenance. Each time, there is a festival,  earnings through collection were auction off.</p>
<p align="left">That is one method they collected the donation. The other obvious method is donation through buying joss stick or oil. The <a href="http://www.my-island-penang.com/Taoist-Worship-Rituals.html" title="Nine Emperor Gods Festivals" target="_blank">bigger method would be offering</a> to build pillars or foundations in parts for the temple.  In that, one has to approached the few man sitting outside the temple whenever you visit the temple.</p>
<p>Well, if you want to be remembered for your kind deeds, your chinese name will be engraved if you offer a certain amount, I can&#8217;t remember how much. </p>
<p>Cheers</p>
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			<media:title type="html">Nine Emperor Gods Deputies Birthday in Tow Boo Kong</media:title>
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			<media:title type="html">Girlie Karaoke to the delight of the crowd</media:title>
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		<title>Cheng Kon Sze Penang</title>
		<link>http://penangisland.wordpress.com/2007/10/24/cheng-kon-sze-penang/</link>
		<comments>http://penangisland.wordpress.com/2007/10/24/cheng-kon-sze-penang/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 24 Oct 2007 02:55:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>nyonyapearl</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[&#160;
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Nestled on the Paya Terubong Hills, in some quiet little spot sits a very old 130 Taoist temple called Cheng Kon Sze.

 Junnie reaching the 1002 Steps Temple
A simple untapped temple worshiped by the silent or quiet few Taoist devout devotees. During the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, Catherine rang me to inquire whether I would [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=penangisland.wordpress.com&blog=1344736&post=75&subd=penangisland&ref=&feed=1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class='snap_preview'><br /><p class="snap_preview">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="snap_preview">&nbsp;</p>
<p>Nestled on the Paya Terubong Hills, in some quiet little spot sits a very old 130 <a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/taoism?nafid=22" class="answerlink">Taoist</a> temple called Cheng Kon Sze.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/peaceful-cheng-kon-sze-penang.jpg" title="Peaceful Cheng Kon Sze Temple Penang"><img src="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/peaceful-cheng-kon-sze-penang.jpg?w=323&#038;h=244" alt="Peaceful Cheng Kon Sze Temple Penang" height="244" width="323" /></a></p>
<p align="center"> <strong><font color="#339966"><em>Junnie reaching the 1002 Steps Temple</em></font></strong></p>
<p>A simple untapped temple worshiped by the silent or quiet few <a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/taoism?nafid=22" class="answerlink">Taoist</a> devout devotees. During the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, Catherine rang me to inquire whether I would be interested to go up to 1002 Steps Temple or locals called it, Cheng Ji Chan.<a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/1002-steps-of-cheng-kon-sze-penang.jpg" title="1002 Steps Temple Penang"> </a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/1002-steps-of-cheng-kon-sze-penang.jpg" title="1002 Steps Temple Penang"><img src="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/1002-steps-of-cheng-kon-sze-penang.jpg" alt="1002 Steps Temple Penang" /></a></p>
<p align="center"> <font color="#339966"><strong><em>Peter (half body) and Junnie (half face) and <a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/chandra?nafid=22" class="answerlink">Chandra</a> looking down,wishing he gets permission to walk more as he waited for us. Sorry guys! </em></strong></font></p>
<p>What do you think, I jumped with joy as I have not yet gone up to Cheng Jee Chan or Cheng Kon Sze in my life.With Peter (pulau-pangkor.com) as our guest as he wanted to learn more about Chinese custom and traditions, he gladly tagged along.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/central-penang-from-1002-steps-temple.jpg" title="Central Penang view from 1002 Steps"><img src="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/central-penang-from-1002-steps-temple.jpg" alt="Central Penang view from 1002 Steps" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><em><strong><font color="#339966">Beautiful Penang, view from 1002 Steps Temple (look how far Komtar seems to be) </font></strong></em></p>
<p>For Chandra’s sake as he is  recuperating from a recent heart attack, all of us took the super cool van up the temple. So Catherine, Catherine’s <a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/mum?nafid=22" class="answerlink">mum</a>, Steffi, Chandra,Ben Khaw ( not in any pictures as he wanders off  to take his own), my sister Junnie and me, <font color="#ff00ff"><u>the ever happy to go anywhere person</u></font> and not forgetting the <font color="#ff00ff">crazy white man from Holland</font> ( the web master of pulau-pangkor.com)  got up to  Cheng Kon Sze. Just joking, he is actually funny guy!</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/hill-top-in-cheng-kon-sze-penang.jpg" title="Hilltop in Cheng Kon Sze Temple"><img src="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/hill-top-in-cheng-kon-sze-penang.jpg" alt="Hilltop in Cheng Kon Sze Temple" /></a></p>
<p align="center"> <strong><em><font color="#339966">Hill top view at the greenery and natural vegetation of Cheng Kon Sze Temple</font></em></strong></p>
<p>How pleased and thrilled we were when the van driver stopped to let us take this awesome shot of <a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/penang?nafid=22" class="answerlink">Penang</a>. It was a good drive up the Cheng Kon Sze Temple, horning loudly all the way up as if we were some important <a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/vip-hip-hop-crew?nafid=22" class="answerlink">VIP</a>. But more because the hikers were making their way up on foot.</p>
<p align="center"> <a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/apple-custard-in-cheng-kon-sze-penang.jpg" title="Apple Custard or Nona in Cheng Kon Sze Temple Penang"><img src="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/apple-custard-in-cheng-kon-sze-penang.jpg" alt="Apple Custard or Nona in Cheng Kon Sze Temple Penang" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><font color="#339966"><strong> <em>Have you seen this fruit, apple custard or locals called them <a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/nona-roman-mythology?nafid=22" class="answerlink">Nona</a>?</em></strong></font></p>
<p>On the way up by foot to 1002 steps temple, my dad used to tell us, never to complain. Never utter the word, “why so far” or “why still have not reached the temple”.</p>
<p align="center"> <a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/multi-colors-cactus-in-cheng-kon-sze.jpg" title="Multi colors cactus plant in Cheng Kon Sze Penang"><img src="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/multi-colors-cactus-in-cheng-kon-sze.jpg" alt="Multi colors cactus plant in Cheng Kon Sze Penang" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><em><strong><font color="#339966"> We see yellow, purple, red and green flower all over this cactus plan t in Cheng Kon Sze Temple, how awesome!</font></strong></em></p>
<p align="center">&nbsp;</p>
<p align="left"> But two ladies have no one to tell them and as they complained, they got tired and waved our van driver for help.Seeing how tired and broken these two old ladies were, all of us squeezed tighter into the van to allow both of them in.  Despite having a seat, both never stop talking about how far or how tired they were. No wonder..I thought.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/baba-pukul-nyonya-plant-in-cheng-kon-sze-penang.jpg" title="Baba pukul Nyonya Plant in Cheng Kon Sze"><img src="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/baba-pukul-nyonya-plant-in-cheng-kon-sze-penang.jpg" alt="Baba pukul Nyonya Plant in Cheng Kon Sze" /></a></p>
<p align="center"> <strong><em><font color="#339966"><a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/baba-mesopotamian-mytholgy?nafid=22" class="answerlink">Baba</a> pukul Nyonya Plant in Cheng Kon Sze Temple</font></em></strong></p>
<p>Baba pukul <a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/peranakan?nafid=22" class="answerlink">Nyonya</a> plant is a delightful plant, did you know that? It blooms in the early morning in white. By mid afternoon, it turns pink. And in the evening, it is almost <a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/purplish?nafid=22" class="answerlink">purplish</a>. Such a refreshing plant, almost magical.<a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/resting-in-cheng-kon-sze-penang.jpg" title="Taking a breath of fresh air"></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/resting-in-cheng-kon-sze-penang.jpg" title="Taking a breath of fresh air"><img src="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/resting-in-cheng-kon-sze-penang.jpg" alt="Taking a breath of fresh air" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><font color="#339966"><em><strong>The Happy Trio taking a breath of FRESH AIR! Sitting on the granite slab, such bliss! </strong></em></font></p>
<p>The natural vegetation, the multiple shades of green is a feast for our sore eyes. The fruits tree, flower plants, those I see when I was young makes me feel at home and child like.  Huge <a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/galangal?nafid=22" class="answerlink">galangal</a> plant are everywhere. Galangal is still around in my neighborhood but I hardly see Baba pukul Nyonya Plant anymore.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/catherine-praying-in-cheng-kon-sze-penang.jpg" title="Huge Yellow Candles in Cheng Kon Sze"><img src="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/catherine-praying-in-cheng-kon-sze-penang.jpg" alt="Huge Yellow Candles in Cheng Kon Sze" /></a></p>
<p align="center"> <strong><em><font color="#339966"><a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/the-fox-sisters?nafid=22" class="answerlink">Catherine</a> praying in Cheng Kon Sze Temple Penang</font></em></strong></p>
<p>Reaching the temple vicinity, we were surprised to see a fair amount of devotees  praying, shaking the fortune stick for health or wealth.</p>
<p align="center"> <a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/huge-joss-stick-in-cheng-kon-sze-penang.jpg" title="Huge Joos Stick in Cheng Kon Sze Temple Penang"><img src="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/huge-joss-stick-in-cheng-kon-sze-penang.jpg" alt="Huge Joos Stick in Cheng Kon Sze Temple Penang" /></a></p>
<p align="center"> <font color="#339966"><em><strong>Huge Joss Stick, a common sight in Taoist culture in Penang, Malaysia and Asia</strong></em></font></p>
<p>Nice, and I look at the monk sitting on the tiger reminds me of my childhood. This priest or <a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/abbot?nafid=22" class="answerlink">abbot</a> must be Thai Siong Lok Kun, the healer or caretaker of many healer temples. There is even a road along <a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/air-itam?nafid=22" class="answerlink">Air Itam</a> market place named after him.</p>
<p align="center"> <a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/130-bronze-urn-in-cheng-kon-sze-penang.jpg" title="130 year old Bronze urn in Cheng Kon Sze Temple Penang"><img src="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/130-bronze-urn-in-cheng-kon-sze-penang.jpg" alt="130 year old Bronze urn in Cheng Kon Sze Temple Penang" /></a></p>
<p align="center"> <font color="#339966"><em><strong>The Bronze Urn and Huge Lantern are as old as the temple</strong></em></font>.</p>
<p>This is the town I grew up. My sister and me used to walk to the market from our home.  I remember when we were young, we hated walking for 20 to 30 mins to the market. I do understand why there is a need for modern facilities. I only wish there will be some heritage buildings left to see. But it is going away too fast. This is the very reason I have now over 10,000 pictures. Amateur I may be, still they are my own hard work.Some locals having gone to China now understand that our own hometown Penang is far richer in heritage then China. Every street or town has a story to tell. And I have lots of story to tell as my dad and uncles told us lots when we were young.<a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/god-of-education-in-cheng-kon-sze-penang.jpg" title="God of Education in Cheng Kon Sze Temple Penang"></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/god-of-education-in-cheng-kon-sze-penang.jpg" title="God of Education in Cheng Kon Sze Temple Penang"><img src="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/god-of-education-in-cheng-kon-sze-penang.jpg" alt="God of Education in Cheng Kon Sze Temple Penang" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><font color="#339966"><em><strong>Observed the statue just behind the <a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/joss-stick?nafid=22" class="answerlink">joss stick</a>, that is the God of Education, bowed down my humble devotees, says he</strong></em></font></p>
<p align="left">As we prayed and watched others, everyone seems so solemn and quietly talking to Nine Emperor God, Dao Mo the mother of Nine Emperor Gods .  MMm..there is even the God of Education, so if you want your kids to be intellectuality inclined, come and offer prayer to this God. There are boxes of pencils. What they do is this. Take two pencils, make a prayer then next year come back to return 2 pencils too. But I saw devotees returning more, two boxes or placing cash or kind if they know they wont be returning.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/reading-of-fortune-in-cheng-kon-sze-penang.jpg" title="One ticket of fortune Please, in Cheng Kon Sze Temple Penang"><img src="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/reading-of-fortune-in-cheng-kon-sze-penang.jpg" alt="One ticket of fortune Please, in Cheng Kon Sze Temple Penang" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><font color="#008000"><em><strong> What is my fate or fortune, Uncle? </strong></em></font></p>
<p>After prayers, most will seek some spiritual guidance.  Tai Siong Lok Kun, according to my late father,  is revered for answering or granting wishes. This <em><strong>one thousand and two hundred steps</strong></em>, supposedly should be<font color="#ff0000"><u> one thousand and two steps</u></font>. <font color="#990000">Not two hundred  but somehow along the way, pronunciation or translation got lost.</font><strong><u>Seeking spiritual guidance</u></strong>On the table near the ticket giver, one can find a round container with fortune or fate stick. No idea what it is called, ( I dont claim I know everything, ok?)  Anyway, taking that round container with stick, the devotee will bowed in front of the gods and virtually mutter for guidance. Then shaking the stick and till  it jumps out, that is your answer. Take the fortune stick that jumped out to the counter.<a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/man-translating-fortune-in-cheng-kon-sze-penang.jpg" title="Translation of the fortune sheet in Cheng Kon Sze Penang"></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/man-translating-fortune-in-cheng-kon-sze-penang.jpg" title="Translation of the fortune sheet in Cheng Kon Sze Penang"><img src="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/man-translating-fortune-in-cheng-kon-sze-penang.jpg" alt="Translation of the fortune sheet in Cheng Kon Sze Penang" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><font color="#008000"><em><strong>The all knowing one,Translation of the fortune sheet </strong></em></font></p>
<p>Take it to the corner of the temple, claim your fate sheet and look for someone who knows how to read to you. It is written in mythological mandarin so one must understand some chinese  legends or myth. With that, the all knowing one will share with you in story form what is in store for you. up to you to translate the result, how about that?</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/missing-letter-5-in-cheng-kon-sze.jpg" title="Por Oon Shrine"><img src="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/missing-letter-5-in-cheng-kon-sze.jpg" alt="Por Oon Shrine" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><font color="#008000"><em><strong>Por Oon Shrine,(Prays for better luck or fortune from this shrine), funny though i though, letter 5 in chinese character is missing). (But as was advised, it was done purposely long time ago), FENG SHUI I suppose </strong></em></font></p>
<p>But sometimes, if they felt it is not a good fate, you will be guided to pray for better fate or luck.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/having-a-blessed-meal-in-cheng-kon-sze.jpg" title="Blessed Meal in Cheng Kon Sze"><img src="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/having-a-blessed-meal-in-cheng-kon-sze.jpg" alt="Blessed Meal in Cheng Kon Sze" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><font color="#008000"><em><strong>Great fried Vermiceli, <a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/porridge?nafid=22" class="answerlink">porridge</a> and dessert. A real treat!</strong></em></font></p>
<p>What a bliss, it is a small temple. We should be able to come down by half hour, right. But no we were there for a few hours, why. So much to see and while feasting our eyes of the greenery, we had a blessed meal then washed our own plates, chopstick and cups. Again Coffee is BEST!And <a href="http://www.my-island-penang.com/Cheng-Kon-Sze.html" target="_blank">Cheng Kon Sze Temple</a>, we will come back and soon before someone decide  to vacate you too!Remember besides <a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/thaipusam?nafid=22" class="answerlink">Thaipusam</a> in January or February, in October <a href="http://www.my-island-penang.com/nine-emperor-gods.html" target="_blank">Nine Emperor Gods</a> festival is celebrated vastly in Penang Butterworth, all of <a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/malaysia?nafid=22" class="answerlink">Malaysia</a> and world wide.<a href="http://www.my-island-penang.com/nine-emperor-gods.html"> </a>cheers</p>
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		<title>Nine Emperor Gods Festival</title>
		<link>http://penangisland.wordpress.com/2007/10/21/nine-emperor-gods-festival/</link>
		<comments>http://penangisland.wordpress.com/2007/10/21/nine-emperor-gods-festival/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 21 Oct 2007 07:01:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>nyonyapearl</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[9 Emperor Gods]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[The Nine Emperor Gods  Festivals, so far is  for me  an amazing, and out of this world&#8217;s experience.  You have to be in Penang or Butterworth to witness the ever devout devotees keeping the nine days vegetarian diet. The daily rites and rituals performed by the mediums are unimaginable.
Believe you me, [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=penangisland.wordpress.com&blog=1344736&post=69&subd=penangisland&ref=&feed=1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class='snap_preview'><br /><p>The Nine Emperor Gods  Festivals, so far is  for me  an amazing, and out of this world&#8217;s experience.  You have to be in Penang or Butterworth to witness the ever devout devotees keeping the nine days vegetarian diet. The daily rites and rituals performed by the mediums are unimaginable.</p>
<p>Believe you me, it is REAL! But I am glad it isn&#8217;t that extreme then the ones performed in Phuket.</p>
<p>At any time of the day or night, the Nine Human Sovereigns  (Tai Chu), will leapt into trance like behavior and accordingly the caretakers of the Tai Chu will clothed them. By the behavior and action of the trance, the caretakers were able to identify the arrival of Tianying, Tianren, Tianzhu, Tianxin, Tianqin, Tianfu, Tianchong,  Tianrui and Tianpeng.</p>
<p>Besides that we get to see other so called friends of the Nine Emperors God, Na Cha or Chek Kong came and went.  Some are healers so paper talisman will be given to those in deed of help.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/mediums-in-trance.jpg" title="Butterworth 9 Emperor Gods Festivals"><img src="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/mediums-in-trance.jpg" alt="Butterworth 9 Emperor Gods Festivals" /></a></p>
<p>Many of the rituals and performances does not require an understanding of legends and myth. Many devotees carry out the rituals and rites without knowing that it is related closely to the legends, myths and symbols.</p>
<p>Faith in the beliefs of their ancestors is more important, so as long as they have faith the myths is of little concern. Faith in the power of the Nine Emperor Gods to cure sickness and confer luck, wealth, and long life is sufficient o induce devotees to participate in the rituals.  The fact that their ancestors believed and participated in the rituals is evidence enough of its authenticity and efficacy. Myth, therefore, is taken as a matter of faith rather than as a matter of fact.</p>
<p>I had the opportunity to follow the Raja Uda Nine Emperor Gods Temple Festivals closely and was able to understand some of the events that were performed yearly. It was great to hear the explanation in English as the presiding trustee(Lor Chu) was Girlie Chuah, the first English speaking lady. I felt truly blessed. Most times, in my quest to learn more about our cultures and tradition, not many were able to give a clear explanation as they could only explained about it in Mandarin.</p>
<p>During the nine days of the festivals, I saw some feats and performances which quite difficult to explain or comprehend.</p>
<p><strong>Welcoming Ritual</strong></p>
<p>Before the commencement of the 9 days events, there was the welcoming ritual. But first the five generals, their 30,000 to 90,000 armies need to be invited.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/girlie-chuah-in-front-of-the-west-general-post.jpg" title="Installing the Five Generals"><img src="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/girlie-chuah-in-front-of-the-west-general-post.jpg" alt="Installing the Five Generals" /></a></p>
<p>Then Lor Chu Girlie will be led holding the urn under a silken umbrella through a street procession. You wont get to see her holding the urn as she is inside or under the umbrella and 2 flags of the eight trigam by 2 disciples. It was indeed a sacred rituals as, when she moved out form the temple to the special float, all bowed in reverence.  Gongs, cymbals and drums are sounded. Listening to it, one can feel the grandeur and style of the occasion.</p>
<p>Once reaching the seaside of Pantai Bersih, it was another night one cannot forget. 3 temple seniors  went down to the sea to receive the Nine Emperor Gods. It was evident  a moment all bowed down again as the Great One approached.</p>
<p align="center"> <a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/welcoming-of-9-emperor-gods.jpg" title="Welcoming rites at Pantai Bersih"><img src="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/welcoming-of-9-emperor-gods.jpg" alt="Welcoming rites at Pantai Bersih" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Purification Rituals</strong></p>
<p>Some of the purification rituals of these Taoist festival includes playing with hot oil.  The  &#8220;Tai Chus&#8221; in their trance like hour, lights up the fire by first drinking the oil in their mouth and blowing onto the fire. These was performed for a good vigorous hour. i was quite a distance away as the heat was so intense. At first I thought the oil was not hot or boiling. I moved to have a closer look and could not go closer. The heat is real intense. As the oil flows down their body, I see no scars neither on their hands nor body.  I wont make any joke of it but seeing those young men earlier not in trance and now in trance completely amazed me. Eyes closed, hands keeps inserting in hot oil to scoop into their mouth, spitting the hot oil from the mouth like dragon spewing fire.  An unbelievable hour but it did happen.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/sipping-the-hot-oil.jpg" title="Playing with Hot Oil"><img src="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/sipping-the-hot-oil.jpg" alt="Playing with Hot Oil" /></a></p>
<p align="left">Herbs and spices were later added to brew for a few hours. Once it cools down, devotees each purchased a bottle for use. It can be use to rub on your tired body or any other body problems. This is how strong the belief the devotees has.  Remind me of the days my dad would use these so called oil on us when we were young.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/hook-and-spear-rod.jpg" title="Mediums in hook and spear rod in Nine Emperor Gods Festivals in Butterworth"><img src="http://penangisland.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/hook-and-spear-rod.jpg" alt="Mediums in hook and spear rod in Nine Emperor Gods Festivals in Butterworth" /></a></p>
<p align="left">The  next event is even scarier then <a href="http://www.my-island-penang.com/Photos-Kavadi-Ceremony.html" title="Thaipusam" target="_blank">Thaipusam</a>. If you think Thaipusam is scary, you cannot imagine this! Nine mediums waiting turns to skewered their mouth with a 9 feet spear rod. One even had both done on him, the 9 feet spear rod and 36 hooks on his back. It was really too much for me, I was so scared but am impressed. I remember years ago I did not want to witness this rituals as I was too scared.</p>
<p align="left">Firewalking  and crossing the fort is next.  Anyway, all these rituals and ceremonies preformed during the Nine Emperor Gods are a kind of purification rituals. They involve the belief the devotees had in the spirit meduims, the Taoist priest and the deities too.</p>
<p> It is in this tableau of eligious ceremonialism that the Festival of the Nine Emperor Gods is<br />
most vividly seen as a community rite of cosmic renewal or rebirth. The ritual leads the community from the state of yin to the state of yang, or as the temple authorities put it, to &#8220;birth beyond death.&#8221;</p>
<p>As a devotee, observing the vegetarian rituals is not difficult. If one does not cook at home, the temple serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and supper all free. One temple impresses me greatly as they served a 10 dishes lunch or dinner meal to their vegetarian devotees.</p>
<p>Some even said that they now felt reborn having witnessed the many rituals Nine Emperors and his sub gods have rid them off. <a href="http://www.my-island-penang.com/nine-emperor-gods.html" title="Nine Emperor Gods Festivals" target="_blank">Read some live event and explanation, here</a>. As I wondered at the many blessings I too received. I felt truly blessed and revived.</p>
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			<media:title type="html">nyonyapearl</media:title>
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			<media:title type="html">Butterworth 9 Emperor Gods Festivals</media:title>
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			<media:title type="html">Welcoming rites at Pantai Bersih</media:title>
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