FESTIVALS

Lunar New Year // Thaipusam // Ching Ming Re // Ponggal // Songkran Festival // Dhagyan Festival // Mahashivarati // Tuan Wu Jie //  Naw Ruz // Wesak Day // Goddess of Mercy's Birthday // Vasakhi // Bon Odori // Saint Anne's Feast // Hungry Ghost Festival // Qi Xi Festival // Lantern Festival // Nine Emperor Gods Festival // Chinese Chong Yang Jie // Navaratri // Hari Raya Puasa // Deepavali //  Loy Krathong // Tung Ji  Festival // Christmas Day //

Although the  Penang's Chinese population still practice their traditions and cultures pass down from their ancestors, I still come across many, even Chinese educated families who are confused about the way of addressing their family members in Chinese properly. The Chinese has a unique way of identifying / addressing their family members.

(For example) The word uncle is differentiated by   伯伯, 伯父, 叔叔, 叔父, 姑父, 姑丈, 舅舅, 姨父 , 姨丈 and so on.....

Click link to see chart and detailed explanation of the family tree.

The 6 Generation Family Tree Chart

LUNAR NEW YEAR  (1st day - 1^st moon of the Lunar Calendar )

In Penang, the first two days are public holidays and most shops would stop doing business except those operating near tourist spots. Most factories would also stop operation for the first four days.

Spring Festival (春节, chun jie)- The Chinese New Year  (农历新年, nong li xing nian) in Penang is celebrated by different races with performance of lion dance and letting of fireworks. (Banned in Malaysia) Chinese families would host "open house" for relatives and friends including other races with new year cookies such as the "Nian Gao (年糕)", Love Letter cakes etc. (see recipe).  The Chinese will hold a reunion dinner on the eve of New Year day (除夕, Chúxì). Then everyone would dress up in their new clothes. “Ang Pow” (紅包, hong bao) red packets containing money  would then be given to all the children and those who are unmarried. Celebrations run until the 15th day. On the 2^nd day (開年,Kai Nien or opening year) is a day of visiting the elders or rather paying respect. The 3^rd and 4^th day is for hosting  of son-in-laws.

The 6^th day is the birthday of the deity Chor Soo Kong at the Snake Temple in Bayan Lepas.

And the 7^th day (日人，ren ze or human’s day) is symbolic to success, people will eat yu sang (魚生，yu sheng)(raw fish). Most restaurants have this Chinese salad on their menu for this day. Everybody joining in must participate in mixing the ingredients with chop sticks and tossing them as high as possible to bring forth roaring business and long life.

The 9^th day, the birthday of Jade Emperor is most celebrated by the Hokkien (福建,fu jian)community, A pair of sugar cane is a must for offering to the  gods. Legends have it that the Hokkien community was saved by hiding in the sugarcane plantation during the war and roast pigs are also offered to other deities which are believe to be with the Jade Emperor God.

In Penang's Chew Jetty in Weld Quay, every year the Hokkien community would celebrate (Jade Emperor's birthday) by offering foods such as roast pigs, ang koo（紅龜糕，hong gui gao） (red buns in the shape of tortoise) and (huat koay) ( 發稿, fa gao)a certain type of prosperous cakes brought by devottees. The place is also decorated with red lanterns and fire crackers and fire works were let off at the stroke of midnight to mark the start of the celebration.

On the last night, 15th day (Chap Goh Meh，十五晚上), there is an orange throwing event ( Chinese Valentine's Day) by young girls (to get good husbands) at the sea off Esplanade  organized by the state government and the traditional Dondang Sayang serenades going around the island in a gaily decorated bus.

LEGEND

The origin of the new year (新年，xin nian) are shredded in myth and legend. It was said that in ancient China, a village was frequently terrorized by a mythical beast call "年，nian"  which killed people and devoured domestic animals. For the safety of the villagers, they made an effort to rid of the beast. They gathered weapons, gongs, fire crackers and red banners. The moment the beast appeared, they struck it with their weapons, sounded the gongs to deafen it, let off fire crackers to scare it away and wave red banners to distract it. The beast was badly hurt and disappeared forever. The villagers were jubilant and spread to the rest if the country.

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THAIPUSAM

A Hindu festival, a festival of purification celebrated mostly by the Tamil community on the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai (Jan/Feb), is  celebrated to honor Lord Murugan (also Subramaniam), the youngest son of Shiva and Parvati, and the occasion when Parvati gave Murugan a vel (lance) so he could vanquish the evil demon Soorapadman, during the full moon.  

A breathtaking experience to witness devotees pierce their bodies with skewers and hooks, carrying "kavadees" along the streets of Georgetown to the Waterfall Road temple.

The Silver Chariot carrying the idol of Lord Murugan will leave the Queen Street temple one day earlier to be welcomed by devotees breaking coconuts along the procession route and return the day after the actual day starting in the evening.  

ORIGIN

The origin of Lord Skanda, the purpose of His avatara and its significance are of much importance to all seekers after Truth. During the battle between the Asuras and the Devas, the latter were defeated several times by the former. The Devas were unable to resist the onslaught of the Asuric forces. In despair, they approached Lord Siva and entreated to give them an able leader under whose heroic leadership they might obtain victory over the Asuras. They surrendered themselves completely and prayed to Lord Siva sincerely. The gracious Lord granted their request by creating mighty divine warrior, Lord Skanda, out of his own power or Achintya Sakti. This great son of Lord Siva at once assumed leadership of the celestial forces, originated them, inspired them and attacked the asuric forces. The asuras were routed and a glorious victory was gained by the Devas.

ORIGINS OF KAVADEE

The kavadi itself is steeped in mythology. At Mount Kailas, Lord Shiva entrusted the dwarf saint sage Agastya with two hillocks, with instructions to carry and install them in South India. But the sage left them in a forest and later asked his disciple, Idumban to get them. Idumban found the two hillocks, but could not initially lift them, until he obtained divine help. Near Palani in South India – where to this day there is a famous shrine of Murugan — Idumban put the hillocks down to rest awhile. When he attempted to continue with his journey, he found that the hillocks were immovable.

Idumban sought the help of a scantily dressed youth, but the youth claimed the hillocks belonged to him. In the ensuing scuffle, Idumban was defeated. Idumban then realised that the youth was Lord Murugan. Idumban pleaded to be pardoned and asked that anyone who comes to the hills to worship Murugan with an object similar to the two hillocks suspended by a rod, may be granted his heart’s desire. Idumban’s wish was granted. And so the kavadi came to play its role in Hindu festivals.

PREPARATIONS
Devotees prepare for the celebration by cleansing themselves through prayer and fasting. Kavadi-bearers have to perform elaborate ceremonies at the time of assuming the kavadi and at the time of offering it to Lord Murugan. The kavadi-bearer observes celibacy and take only pure, Satvik food, once a day, while continuously thinking of God.

On the day of the festival, devotees will shave their heads undertake a pilgrimage along a set route while engaging in various acts of devotion, notably carrying various types of kavadi (burdens). At its simplest this may entail carrying a pot of milk, but mortification of the flesh by piercing the skin, tongue or cheeks with vel skewers is also common.

The simplest kavadi is a semi circular decorated canopy supported by a wooden rod that is carried on the shoulders, to the temple. In addition, some have a little spear through their tongue, or a spear through the cheeks. The spear pierced through his tongue or cheeks reminds him constantly of Lord Murugan. It also prevents him from speaking and gives great power of endurance. Other types of kavadi involve hooks stuck into the back and either pulled by another walking behind or being hung from a decorated bullock cart or more recently a tractor, with the point of incisions of the hooks varying the level of pain. The greater the pain the more god-earned merit.


KavadiThe most spectacular practice is the vel kavadi, essentially a portable altar up to two meters tall, decorated with peacock feathers and attached to the devotee through 108 vels pierced into the skin on the chest and back. Fire walking and flagellation may also be practiced. It is claimed that devotees are able to enter a trance, feel no pain, do not bleed from their wounds and have no scars left behind. However, some of the more extreme masochistic practices have been criticized as dangerous and contrary to the spirit and intention of Hinduism. (Source : Wikipedia)

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CHING MING RE (TOMB CLEANING)

On the 106th day after Winter Solstice the Chinese pay respect to their deceased ancestors by visiting and tidying up the graves.

Ching Ming meaning pure and bright in Chinese is celebrated by whole families visiting the graves with offerings. When passing by the cemetery you can see from afar that the surface of the tombs are covered with "qin ying paper". Qin is gold and ying is silver. These are believed to be for used in the nether world.

ORIGIN

This practice began at the reign of the first Jin dynasty emperor, Jing Wen Gong because he abstained from meat and paid respect to his deceased loyal subject, Jie Zi Tui on that particular day. When Wen Gong was a refugee running from the vicious plot of his father's favorite concubine , Zi Tui fed the starving Wen Gong with his own flesh. After Wen Gong had re-established himself and gain the throne, he wanted to reward Zi Tui. But Zi Tui wished to be a recluse in a large forest. The anxious emperor thought that he could force Zi Tui out of retirement by setting fire to the forest. Unfortunately Zi Tui lost his way out and was burn to death. Jing Wen Gong was grieved by the event and he mourned the death of Zi Tui. Thus the practice of Qing Ming or all souls day has been carried on until the present day.

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PONGGAL

Celebrated by Malaysian Indians as a thanksgiving for bountiful harvest, on the 1st day of the "Thai"  month of the Tamil calendar, also known as the Hindu harvest festival, Ponggal has been known to be a festival that dates back at least 5,000 years. It basically is a tradition that farmers celebrate in conjunction with their harvest.
 The festival signifies the end of the rice harvesting season in India. It is a way of saying thank you to God, the sun, the earth and the cattle for a significant harvest. Ponggal comes from the word 'ponga' which means boil or boil over, and it literally portrays something "which is overflowing". The term also refers to the sweetened rice porridge normally cooked on the Ponggal days.

The highlight of this festival is the ponggal sweetened rice. A nice area in the temple or the house will be cleaned up. A new pot will be decorated and used to boil fresh milk. When the boiling milk begins to overflow, cries of "Ponggal!" will be heard and a prayer of grace to the God will be held. Rice is then added to the milk and left to simmer and cook. Other ingredients such as brown sugar, ghee, cashew, raisins and water will also be added together.

The ponggal sweetened rice will be placed on a banana leaf and served with fruits and other sweetened items such as vadai before being offered to the God. Next, the special prayer is held to thank the God. The ponggal rice will also be served to those present. This ponggal rice holds a significant meaning to the community. If it boiled very well, it shows a lasting happiness and a blessing in the life of the family and a good year ahead.

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SONGKRAN FESTIVAL (Thai)

DHAGYAN FESTIVAL (Myanmar)

Thai / Burmese Temples:

Water Splashing Festival - celebrated by the Thai/Myanmar communities in Penang to usher in their new year by splashing water onto everyone around for good luck

The festival lasts for three days- the first day is the last day of the old year, the second day is a day of limbo and the third day is the beginning of the New Year.

Origin

Songkran Day has been celebrated as New Year's Day in the Thai solar calendar since ancient times. The date coincides with the day the sun leaves Pisces and enters Aries, usually falling on April 13 of each year.

The word "Songkran" means a passage or course and refers to the position of the sun within the solar system. As the sun enters each of the houses of the zodiac constellation, a songkran cycle is completed. Over time, the use of the term has become more generic and Songkran is more commonly associated with the period when the sun enters Aries, in April. During this time, the sun is equidistant to the earth so there are an equal number of hours during the day and night, a phenomenon known as "mahasongkran" (the supreme cycle). This marks the beginning of the Thai new year.

Songkran is celebrated over a 3-day period.

APRIL 13 - WAN SANGKHAN LHONG
"Sangkarn Lhong day" marks the end of an era. Various activities are undertaken to "send off" the outgoing year. In the morning, merit-making rituals are performed and offerings are made to the Buddhist monks. Spring-cleaning and personal cleansing are also part of this "renewal" process. Later in the day, Buddha images are bathed with lustral water in a gesture of respect. The religious ceremonies include a procession of Buddha images through the city streets offering an opportunity for residents of the community to take part in the bathing rites. An annual "Miss Songkran" parade and floral floats are part of the popular festivities held to greet the Thai new year.

APRIL 14 - WAN NAO OR WAN DA
On April 14, the position of the sun is mid-way between Pisces and Aries. "Wan nao" or "Wan da" is a day of preparation as family members gather to help prepare offerings for the monks for the next morning. The afternoon is spent carrying sand into the 'wats' or temples. This is considered to be an auspicious day when everyone sports a happy face and avoids uttering words deemed inauspicious or bad-tempered. Merit-making continues in the morning with offerings being made to Buddhist monks. The world-famous Songkran water-splashing festive fun takes place all day helping revellers to beat the summer heat. In the evening, sand is brought to the temples for the building of sand stupas which are then decorated with colourful flags and flowers. The practice reflects an ancient belief that when an individuals walks away from a temple, particles of sand from the temple grounds are inadvertently carried away on one's shoes or sandals. The building of sand stupas for the temple is seen to be a practical way of replacing the sand lost and a merit-making act through which blessings are earned.

APRIL 15 - WAN PHYA WAN
April 15 marks the Thai New Year. This is the most important day of the Songkran New Year celebrations. It is a day traditionally spent making merit and performing charitable acts such as presenting offerings to the monks and listening to sermons, sprinkling holy water on Buddha images and monks, propping up the sacred Bo tree in the temple grounds, and calling on elders to receive their blessings.

A bathing ritual is observed in which lustral water is poured over respected elders in a gesture of respect and reverence. The seeking of their blessing or forgiveness for past wrong-doing is also implied. Additionally it is believed that through these acts of merit-making, loved ones, long-departed are endowed with blessings and good fortune. Last but not least comes the water-splashing ceremony and other festivities which is the most fun-filled part of the celebrations.

The religious ceremonies and folk rituals associated with Songkran are principally performed to bring good luck and prosperity. The rituals are also acts of gratitude and indebtedness undertaken in the memory of those who have passed on to another world.

The Songkran activities that take place in various locations around the kingdom are culturally unique and reflect local beliefs and practices. Each offers varying elements of interest.

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MAHA SHIVRATRI

Maha Shivratri falls on the I3th (or I4th) day of the dark half of 'Phalgun' (February-March). The name means "the night of Shiva", ceremonies take place chiefly at night. This is a festival observed in honor of Lord Shiva and it is believed that on this  day Lord Shiva was married to Parvati.

On this festival people worship 'Shiva - the Destroyer'. This night marks the night when Lord Shiva danced the 'Tandav'. In Andhra Pradesh, pilgrims throng the Sri Kalahasteshwara Temple at Kalahasti and the Bharamarambha Malikarjunaswamy Temple at Srisailam.

 Lord Shiva

Shiva - the word meaning auspicious - is one of the Hindu Trinity, comprising of Lord Brahma, the creator, Lord Vishnu, the preserver and Lord Shiva or Mahesh, the Destroyer and Re-Producer of life. Shiva is known by many names like "Shankar", "Mahesh", "Bholenath", "Neelakanth", "Shambhu Kailasheshwar", "Umanath", "Nataraj" and others.

    For few people, Shiva is "Paramatman", "Brahman", the Absolute, but many more prefer to see Shiva as a personal God given to compassion for his worshippers, and the dispenser of both spiritual and material blessings. Related to the Absolute concept is Shiva as "Yoganath" meaning the Lord of Yoga, wherein he becomes teacher, path and goal. As such he is the "Adi Guru" or the Highest Guru of 'Sannyasins' who have renounced the world to attain the Absolute.

    He is the most sought-after deity amongst the Hindus and they pray to him as the god of immense large-heartedness who they believe grants all their wishes. Around him are weaved many interesting stories that reveal His magnanimous heart. Not only this, but these stories and legends also enrich the Indian culture and art.

    Time is invisible and formless. Therefore Mahakal Shiva, as per the Vedas, manifested himself as "LINGUM" to make mankind aware of the presence of Eternal Time. That day when Shiva manifested himself in the form of "Lingum" was the fourth day of the dark night in the month of 'Magha' i.e. February-March. Maha Shivratri continues to be celebrated forever and ever.

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TUAN WU JIE (WINTER SOLSTICE)

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NAW-RUZ (Bahai's New Year)

An independent religion consists of different  race and tribal groups celebrated by the Bahai Community in Penang.

Origin

The Bábi and Bahá'í Naw-Ruz

In the Badi` calendar of the Báb, Naw-Ruz is the day of Bahá of the month of Bahá, a day called by the Báb `the Day of God' (yawmu'llah). It was also the `Day of the Point' (yawm-i-nuqtih) -- i.e. the day of the Báb. Finally, it was a day associated with Him Whom God shall make manifest, the Promised One of the Báb. The remaining eighteen days of the month were associated with the eighteen Letters of the Living, an indication that the Báb envisioned the Naw-Ruz festivities encompassing the nineteen days of the month of Bahá, just as the traditional Iranian Naw-Ruz festivities last thirteen days. During Naw-Ruz the Báb permitted the use of musical instruments and other luxuries prohibited at other times. During the night of Naw-Ruz each believer was to recite 361 times the verse `God beareth witness that there is no God but Him, the Ineffable, the Self-Subsistent'; and during the day, `God beareth witness that there is no God but Him, the Precious, the Beloved'. Fasting was prohibited during the whole month of Bahá.

During the six years of His mission, the Báb and His followers observed Naw-Ruz, although it is difficult to say how much this represents a distinctively Báb­ holy day.

Bahá'u'lláh adopted the Báb­ holy day of Naw-Ruz as the feast day following the fast and stressed that it is associated with the Most Great Name, bearing as it does Bahá'u'lláh's own name. `Abdu'l-Bahá explained the significance of Naw-Ruz in terms of the symbolism of the new life of spring.

Bahá'u'lláh defines Naw-Ruz as the Bahá'í day on which the vernal equinox occurs. Thus, even if the equinox should occur just before sunset, that day -- which in the Bahá'í calendar began at the moment of sunset on the previous day -- is Naw-Ruz. At present, however, Naw-Ruz is fixed as 21 March for Bahá'ís in all countries outside the Middle East, regardless of exactly when the equinox occurs.

Naw-Ruz is one of the nine Bahá'í holy days on which work is to be suspended. It is generally observed with a meeting for prayer and celebration -- often combined with a dinner since the sunset on which Naw-Ruz begins ends the last day of the Bahá'í fast. As with all Bahá'í holy days, there are few fixed rules for observing Naw-Ruz, although Iranian Bahá'ís often follow Iranian traditions. Many Bahá'ís use Naw-Ruz as a day of gift-giving. Bahá'ís do not usually observe Naw-Ruz for longer than one day.

Since Naw-Ruz is the first day of a Bahá'í month, it is also the day of a nineteen day feast. It is not permitted to combine this feast with the observance of the holy day.

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WESAK DAY

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GODDESS of MERCY's BIRTHDAY

Celebrated on the 19^th day of the 2^nd, 6^th and 9^th moon of the Lunar calendar. Activities  are held at the Goddess of Mercy Temple with the releasing of caged animals. 

Legends and Myth

Quan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, is a great example of this. She is recognized in both Taoism and Buddhism in China. In addition, offerings are made to her by women who wish to have children, travelers who seek a safe journey, or farmers who pray for good crop. She is one of the more popular deities in Chinese Culture. First introduced in the 5th century AD by Gautama Buddha in his preaching's. She is supposed to have a thousand arms and a thousand eyes. Also called "Goddess of the Southern Seas".

There are many stories surrounding how this goddess came about. According to legend, Quan Yin was a real person, born on the 19th day of the second lunar month . She lived during 300 BC and was the youngest daughter to king (another story says an Indian Prince) of a small country in southwestern China. Her mortal name was Miau Shan.

As she grew up, she was wise to the ways of nature and exhibited great compassion. Not wishing to wed, she convinced her father to allow her to enter the Nunnery of the White Bird. Marriage in Ancient China was not just about two couples uniting but also involved the chance of social and monetary gains between families. Thus, her father was none too happy about the arrangement and ordered the nuns to give her the most difficult tasks during her stay.

Her hard work, though, did not break her resolve, only strengthen it. Disappointed that this didn’t change his daughter’s mind, her father sent out an assassin to kill her. The first assassin, upon seeing the devotion and beauty of Miau Shan, could not bring himself to kill her. So he used a sword which broke as it struck her neck. The second assassin, however, succeeded and strangled her to death, killing her mortal form.

Here is where the story varies some. In one version, Miau Shan came to the gates of nirvana (heaven). As she was about to enter, she heard a cry of pain from the earth. Unable to ignore it, she asked to be sent back that she might help those suffering. This version aligns with the Buddhist Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, a male deity in Indian Buddhism who could not bear to leave people behind on earth in pain.

The Chinese also say that Quan-yin (Kwanjin) was born into this world as the daughter of the King of the Chow Dynasty. Sentenced to death by her father for refusing to marry, she was sent to the executioner's block, where it is said the executioner's sword broke without inflicting a wound.

Other Chinese tales say her spirit went to Hell, but her radiance turned hell into paradise, so the King of the infernal regions sent her back to earth again, transporting her on a lotus flower.

In another version, she was brought to the gates of purgatory. But her devotion and compassion shielded her from the anguishes of the netherworld. In fact, she had so much good that she began to relieve the pain of those around her as well. Hell became a place of flowers. Yama, the king of the underworld, feared she would destroy his kingdom and sent her back to life.

Regardless of which version you believe in, she is sent back to life on a lotus flower to the island of P’ootoo. It is here that she lived healing diseases and rescuing lost seafarers. Thus, she came to be known as Quan Yin, “One Who Sees and Hears the Cry from the Human World.”

For some, the story continues to talk about the father once more. Mortally ill, he needs the flesh and eye of his offspring for a cure. This is a common phrase often heard in Chinese legends and speaks to the level of devotion a child should have to their parents, giving their lives for them. Only, none of his other off-springs would sacrifice themselves for this. Upon hearing this, and filled with compassion not hatred in her heart, Quan Yin does not hesitate to cut off her own hand and gorge out her eye.

The cure works and the king is restored to help. Only, when he discovers that the daughter he had sentenced to death saved him, he is shamed. He turns over his fortune and crown to one of his ministers and devotes the rest of his life to helping others.

Today, offerings are made to Quan Yin at the many temples dedicated to her. These offerings almost always consist of just fruits and never of meat or wine. Her paintings and statues normally show the goddess seated upon a lotus flower, a symbol of purity. And because of how pure she is, her birthday is celebrated without the normal bangs of fireworks because there are no demons to scare away on that day.
 

Myth

PENANG-BON ODORI Charity Carnival

A Japanese-inspired festival held at the Esplanade to celebrate the homecoming of ancestral spirits, with songs, dances, and drum performances at a charity food and fun fair  starting from 5pm to 10pm. There will also be a fireworks display.

Origin

One of the most famous and common dance in Japan is the Bon dance, which is called "Bon Odori" in Japanese. People dance Bon Dance in the Bon Festival. The Bon Festival is held every summer, in every district in every city.

Dating back to the late Heian (794 - 1185) and Kamakura (1185 - 1333) period, the festival is celebrated on the 15th of July according to the lunar calendar. It is said that during this time of year, the lid of the iron pot of hell is lifted to allow spirits to return home and to be among the living. To guide the spirit of a deceased loved one home it is customary in Japan to adorn one's house with lanterns. Food is also laid out and prayers are made at temples or privately at home for the departed.

Bon means welcoming ancestors' souls and holding a memorial service for the souls. There is a Bon week in August every year, and Bon continues for about a week. During Bon, sometimes all relatives of family gather and hold a memorial service for their ancestors, and enjoy being in a reminiscent mood. This traditional comes from Buddhism in China.

The Bon Festival is held during in Bon week, and people gathers at the near open-space or the parks, and dance with traditional Japanese music. The music should be happy music to welcome the ancestor's souls, and people have a duty to make a happy, mysterious, and welcoming mood. Moreover, the Bon Dance should be held in the night because Japanese people believe that ancestors' souls come back in the night.

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SAINT ANNE'S FEAST

Located in the town of Bukit Mertajam on the mainland, a 15 mins drive from the Penang Bridge. St. Anne’s Feast are held every year on the last Saturday of July. Pilgrims from all over the country and nearby regions came here. The lighting of candles of various sizes (from a few inches to several foot in length)  are seen all over the compound.  Both ways of the road leading to the church are full of stalls  selling candles, foods, drinks, clothes, toys, holy books and religious items

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HUNGRY GHOSTS FESTIVAL

For thousands of years, people have mistaken "Zhong Yuan Jie (The Day of Filial Piety") and  "Yu Lan Jie" in the 7th lunar month as the "Ghosts' Season". Actually, he essence of this day is to embody the selfless nature of Chinese by worshipping their ancestors and the lonely spirits, which is to promote filial piety and in the meantime help some charity organisations raise money by hosting Zhong Yuan feast or fund raising activities. In Penang each year, funds are collected for schools and the homeless by hosting Zhong Yuan feast, hosted by housing committees in their areas.
 

Historical records illustrate that the Zhong Yuan Jie was originated from India of  Buddhist faith. (Southern believe). Whereas Yu Lan Jie was actually a Taiost ritual perform by  followers which originated from the Southern Song Dynasty (Northern believe).

The Hungry Ghosts Festival ( Zhong Yuan Jie) last a whole month, on the 7^th moon of the lunar calendar. It’s believed that the "Gates of Hell" are opened during this month for the dead to return to earth. At the same time, the God of Earth will visit the heaven and reports the good and bad deeds of human. The Chinese believed that by holding prayers and offerings to the dead, they will be prevented from disturbances and blessed instead.

Offerings are  made by burning ritualistic ‘hell money’.  Some families also burn paper houses, cars and even paper mobile phones to their dead relatives. Offerings are also place at road sides and house corners for those wandering ghosts which are homeless.

This festival is also celebrated at street corners by, temples, associations, and guilds. Giant effigy’s  with scaring looks representing the Tai Su Yeah (King Of Hades) are set up for people to pray with incense, giant dragon joss-sticks, ritualistic items and offerings of food.. Stage operas are held  for these unseen beings.

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ZHONG QIU JIE (Moon Cake Festival)

Lantern Festival is on the 15th day of the 8th moon. The origin of this festival was that Zhu Yuan Zhang’s (who later form the Ming dynasty) plan to unite the peasants. On the 15^th night of the 8^th moon secret messages hidden in cakes of lotus seed paste were circulated to revolutionaries in their attempt to overthrew the Yuan.

This celebration has been carried to the present time. In Penang, families would pray to the moon with moon cakes and children rejoice with lantern processions. Many lantern making competitions are organized by various organizations and shopping centers. Hotels and restaurants are making new flavour moon cakes to satisfy their customer's needs. (moon cake recipes)

The Moon-cake or Moon-Light Festival is associated with the story of Chang Er (Goddess of the moon), wife of the best archer, Hou Yi in the 3rd century BC.

MYTH

A giant mulberry tree called Fusang grew in the sea beyond the eastern ocean, and in this tree dwelt ten suns. These suns were the children of Dijun (God of the East), and Xihe (Goddess of the Sun). Every morning Xihe would take one of her sons (on rotation) across the sky in a chariot bringing warmth to the world. Then one day the suns rebelled against the routine and all went into the heavens together, frolicking across the skies causing havoc to the earth. The earth dried up, causing the crops to wither and even the rocks began to melt. Food became scarce and waters dried up. In addition, monsters and wild beast emerged from the forest in search of prey. The God and Goddess took pity on the suffering humanity and pleaded with their sons to behave, but without success. On exasperation, Dijun summoned the great archer, Hou Yi, and handed him a quiver of white arrows and a red bow. He ordered the archer to bring his sons under control and eliminate those wild beasts that are threatening the people. Hou Yi accepted the challenge and accompanied by his wife, he fitted  an arrow to his bow and shot in into the sky. A ball of fire exploded in the sky with golden flames. The soul of the "shot" sun felled into the earth and transform into a three- legged raven. One after another, the suns fell and the air became cooler and cooler, but the quick thinking of the sage king Yao, all might have been extinguished. Realising that one sun must remain to provide the earth with light and warmth, Yao counted the number of arrows in Hou Yi's quiver and made sure that Hou Yi would run out of arrow before he could shoot down the last sun.

With his mission acccomplished, Hou Yi Then turn his attention to the monsters and beast that threaten the earth. With his skill and bravery he killed those beast and restored peace back on earth. Hou Yi and his wife return to heaven tp report his successful mission. But instead of being welcome they were being shunned by Dijun. Dijun was sadden by the death of his nine sons and he ordered Hou Yi and his wife to return  and serve those on earth.

Chang Er was furious at the injustice they received, being sent to earth, they will one day die of age as ordinary humans. Chang Er decided to seek the Queen Mother of the West on Mount Kunlun to obtain the elixir of immortality from her. The Queen was moved by their plight and agreed to help them. She then gave a box that contain enough elixir to gain eternal life for two people.

They return to earth and Hou Yi entrusted his wife with the care of the precious box, planning to wait for an auspicious day to take the elixir.  But his wife, Chang Er thinking that she would be restored to her former status of goddess if she took the whole amount. Immediately after taking the elixir, she began to rise up in the sky. Afraid that she might be punished by the gods for not sharing the elixir with her husband, she head for the moon instead. On reaching the brightly moon, she found out that it was an isolated place, empty except for an hare under a cassia tree. But when she tried to continue moving on, she found that her powers had deserted her and was doomed to stay there.

Back home Hou Yi was shocked and saddened by her betrayal. Later he took on a pupil (Peng Meng) hoping to pass-on his skills.  His pupil was clever and hard working and soon learned all the skills of his master but couldn't  be better and became jealous if his master's superiority and killed Hou Yi.

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QIXI FESTIVAL (Cowherd and Weaver)

Celebrated on the 7th day of 7th moon . Legend has it that magpies would gather to form a bridge thus allowing the loving couple (one from the East and the other from the West) to meet on this day. This practice of praying to the legendary fairy on the moon are mostly done by maidens.

 MYTH

A well known myth about the cowherd and the weaver who represents the stars Altair and Vega respectively, on either side of the Milky Way.

A poor and very hardworking young peasant who works on his farm with the help of his ox to earn a living. He live a difficult and lonely life. One day the ox revealed to his owner that he was an Ox Star being punished and sent to earth and was willing to find his owner a wife as a reward.

The ox revealed to his owner that the Heavenly Maidens would come to a nearby pool to bathe. The young man then followed the ox's instruction  and they went to the nearby pool and hid behind some undergrowth. After a while, a group of young beautiful girls arrive at the pool. They left their clothes on the bank and went into the pool. While the girls were bathing, the ox herd stole and hide the pile of clothes that was nearest to him. Then as the girls get out from the pool, the ox herd came out from the undergrowth causing the girls to panic. The girls grab their clothes and flew off  into the sky. One of the girls was terrified and stunt as she couldn't find her clothes.

The ox herd return her clothes and express his intention. Seeing his honesty and being left alone by the other girls, she agrees to follow him home, and soon became his wife. After their marriage she revealed to her husband and that she was in fact the granddaughter of heaven and goddess of weaving. With her weaving skills the young couple's life became better and were very happy together and have two children, a boy and a girl.

The gods were angry at the weaver remaining on earth and sent messengers to snatch her back. The ox herd and his two children  were unable to do anything. They watch helplessly as the weeping weaver was forcefully taken back to heaven. On seeing this, the old ox came to his owner's aid again, asking his owner to wrap himself in his skin when he (ox) dies and will be able to pursue his wife. The ox herd did as was told, carrying his two children in two baskets suspended from a carrying pole on his shoulders, set off.

The ox herd soon caught sight of his wife, before he could reach her, he was spotted by her grandmother, the Queen Mother of the West (Si Mu Niang Niang). A line was drawn in the sky  between them by the Queen forming a raging torrent. (The Milky Way) The ox herd and his children tried to empty the water from the river. The sight of the hopeless family touched the hearts of the gods, and it was decided that the family could be united once a year. In the seventh day of the seventh moon all the magpies world form a bridge across the river (Milky Way), allowing the ox herd to meet his wife, the weaver.

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NINE EMPEROR GODS FESTIVAL

The Festival of the Nine Emperor Gods falls on the ninth day of the ninth moon in the Chinese lunar calendar. Devotees would turn vegetarians and flock to the temples throughout the country for this religious festival. The Nine Emperor Gods are part of a spirit-medium cult known locally as ‘Qiu Ong Yah’. These Nine Deities are believed to dwell in the stars in heaven under the reign of ‘Thien Hou’ - the Queen of Heaven.

On the eve of the ninth moon, temples of the Deities hold a ceremony to invoke and welcome the Nine Emperor Gods . Since the arrival of the Nine Emperor Gods is believed to be through the waterways, processions are held from temples to the sea-shore or river to symbolize this belief. Devotees dressed in traditional white, carrying joss-sticks and candles, await the arrival of their “Excellencies”. A carnival-like atmosphere pervades the temple throughout the nine-day festival. During this period of time, the constant tinkling of a prayer bell and chants from the temple priests are heard. Most devotees stay at the temple, take vegetarian meals and recite continuous chanting of prayer. On the ninth day a procession sending the Nine Emperor Gods home from the temple ground to the sea  to complete the rites of this religious festival.

In Penang the journey starts at the temple in Jalan Burma (near Kedai Telekom) to the sea off Weld Quay. (Pengkalan Weld).

There is also a famous Qiu Ong Yah temple situated in the hills of Air Itam named “Cheng Zi Chan”(1200 steps). In the past, thousands of worshippers and visitors would jammed the whole stretch of the one thousand two hundred steps build with granite slabs. Since it’s the only way to the temple then. Stalls are set up along the route selling drinks and “Tongkat” walking sticks, since it usually rains on these days as it is the monsoon season and some paths became very slippery. Now that there is another way up and accessible by car, the scene of yesteryear is gone. The narrow way by vehicles is the path behind the Kek Lok Si Temple. It’s build of cement by local hill farmers.

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CHUNG YANG JIE 

Celebrated on the ninth day on the ninth moon. Since the number nine is a yang number, hence the word chung yang in Chinese meaning double nine. Although it started in the Han dynasty, some Chinese still practice this tradition till today. During this festival people would go to high lands or climb hills to gain luck and to wish for promotion. In Penang some would hike up to Penang Hill. This practice is also done by some Chinese on the eve of Chinese New Year.

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NAVARATRI

Most Hindus in Penang also celebrate Navaratri Festival by going on vegetarian foods for nine to ten days and some even for a whole month. Hindus would go to temples to pray and made offerings. This festival is observed twice a year, once in the month of Chaitra and then in Aswayuja. It lasts for nine days in honour of the nine manifestations of Durga.

Origin

The word Navaratri actually means nine (Nava) nights (ratri). This is celebrated in different styles throughout India. Navaratri occurs during the first 9 days of the bright half of the month of Aashwayuja in the Indian calendar. The most significant part of Navaratri is the setting up an odd number of steps (usually 7, 9, or 11), and the placement of different idols of Gods on them. This setup is called a Golu. Generally, when people come to a person's house to see their Golu, they are given prasad (the offering given to God that day), kumkum (red powder), and a small bag of gifts usually containing a mirror, a comb, a small box of kumkum, and fruits. These are only given to girls and married women. This is chiefly a woman's festival.

Navaratri is the worship of the three divine goddesses, Saraswati (Goddess of learning and speech), Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth and prosperity), and Durga (Goddess of strength and courage). It is also said to be the battle that occurred between Goddess Chaamundeshwari and the asura (demon), Mahishaasura ,the buffalo-headed demon. The battle lasted 9 days and 9 nights. Finally, on the tenth day, Goddess Chaamundeshwari killed Mahishaasura. This day is known as Vijayadasami. Vijayadasami means the 10th day of victory.

Today, Vijayadasami is supposed to be one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu year. Some schools in India start on this day. Children first starting their education are taught some of the basics by a priest on this day.

Navaratri and Vijayadasami are celebrated with sweets and snack items; one of each are made on each of the ten days. One snack food, chundal, is made on all of the ten days

Above: This setup is called a Golu.. Idols of different gods or goddesses are placed here for all of the nine nights. There are usually an odd number of steps.

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HARI RAYA PUASA

Hari Raya Puasa falls at a different time each year based on the Muslim calendar. This celebration marks the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. During the period of festivities, Malay houses are gaily lit and decorated. Visits to the mosque for special prayers and later to homes of relatives are a must. Most families would prepare foods and home-made Raya cookies to entertain friends and relatives. (see recipe)

Hari Raya Aidilfitri: Hari Raya Aidilfitri, also known as Hari Raya Puasa, is the most meaningful and significant celebration for Muslims to mark the end of Ramadhan or the fasting month. The day is most significant as it includes two of the five tenets of Islam's: to fast during the month of Ramadhan and to pay zakat fitrah, or alms tax. Muslims celebrate the first of Syawal, which is the 10th month of the Muslim calendar, with joyous enthusiasm. By the eve of Hari Raya Puasa, Muslims would have paid their alms tax, which is then distributed to the poor.
Muslims usher in the day with prayers in the mosques followed by visits to the graves of the departed. It is also the time for family reunions when people gather and asking forgiveness from family members. It is every Muslim's religious duty to ask for pardon on this day and this is done in order of family seniority. It is customary during this occasion for Muslims to open their homes to well wishers as well as to visit friends and relatives.
The lighting of oil lamps reflects the festive mood. The lamps are lighted from the 20th day of Ramadhan, the night when the Koran was sent down, right through the actual day of Hari Raya Puasa itself.
All mosques, homes, government and commercial buildings are decorated and brightly lit to mark the significant day. The celebrations last a month and although the first three days are celebrated on a grander scale, many Muslims have 'open houses' throughout the month to accommodate friends.
 

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DEEPAVALI

Little India (vicinity of Penang Street): This Hindu Festival of Lights which marks the victory of good over evil is celebrated in a grand way by the people of Hindu faith. Visitors are invited to the "open house" at Little India along Market, King and Queen Streets to witness entertaining cultural performances and sampling of Indian delicacies

History

India is a land of festivals. Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated with fervor and gaiety. The festival is celebrated by young and old, rich and poor, throughout the country to dispel darkness and light up their lives. The festival symbolizes unity in diversity as every state celebrates it in its own special way.

The celebration of the four-day festival commences on Aswayuja Bahula Chaturdasi and concludes on Kartika Shudda Vijiya. The first day of the festival Naraka Chaturdasi marks the vanquishing of the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama.

'Puranas' have it that Naraka, son of Bhudevi, acquired immense power from a blessing given by Lord Brahma after a severe penance. He soon unleashed a reign of terror in the kingdom of Kamarupa, harassing celestial beings with his invincible might. Unable to bear the tyranny of the demon, the celestial beings pleaded with Lord Krishna to save them from his torture.

But Naraka could not be easily killed as he had a boon that he would face death only at the hands of his mother Bhudevi. So, Krishna asks his wife Satyabhama, the reincarnation of Bhudevi, to be his charioteer in the battle with Naraka.

When Krishna feigns unconsciousness after being hit by an arrow of Naraka, Satyabhama takes the bow and aims the arrow at Naraka, killing him instantly. Later Lord Krishna reminds her of the boon she had sought as Bhudevi. The slaying of Naraka by Sathyabhama could also be taken to interpret that parents should not hesitate to punish their children when they stray on to the wrong path. The message of Naraka Chaturdasi is that the good of the society should always prevail over one's own personal bonds.

The second day is Amavasya when Lakshmi puja is performed. It is believed that on this day Goddess Lakshmi would be in her benevolent mood and fulfill the wishes of her devotees. One version says that it was on this day that Goddess Lakshmi emerged from Kshira Sagara (Ocean of Milk) when the Gods and demons were churning the sagara (ocean) for nectar (Amrit)

The other version is that when Lord Vishnu in the guise of Vamana, sought three feet of land from the generous demon king Bali, the latter had to surrender his head as Vamana had conquered the earth and the sky in two strides. Lord Vishnu banishes Bali into the Pathala Loka (netherland) by keeping his third stride on Bali's head. Later, pleased by his generosity, Lord Vishnu grants him a boon and he in turn requests the Lord to guard his palace at Pathala Loka.

Meanwhile, the Goddess is unable to bear the separation and her grief affects the functioning of the entire universe. Brahma and Lord Shiva offer themselves as guards and plead with Bali to relieve Vishnu. So, on the Amavasya day, Lord Vishnu returns to his abode and Goddess Lakshmi is delighted. It is believed that those who worship Goddess Lakshmi on this day would be bestowed with all the riches.

The third day is "Kartika Shudda Padyami." On this day Bali would come out of Pathala Loka and rule Bhuloka as per the boon given by Lord Vishnu. Hence, it is also known as "Bali Padyami".

The fourth day is referred to as "Yama Dvitiya." On this day, sisters invite their brothers to their homes.

However, in the northern part of India it is celebrated as the return of Ram along with Sita and Lakshman from his 14 years of exile after killing Ravana. To commemorate his return to Ayodhya, his subjects illuminated the kingdom and burst crackers. For the Gujaratis, Marwaris and other business community Diwali marks the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and also the beginning of the new financial year.

For Bengalis, it is the time to worship Goddess Kali or Durga. The Goddess Durga continued her "Vilaya Tandava" even after killing demon Mahishasura.
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LOY KRATHONG (15^th day 9^th moon of the Lunar Calendar)

Held at Wat Puppharam in Jalan Perak and celebrated by the Thai community in Penang. A festival celebrating the end of the raining season. Procession to Persiaran Gurney to release floats (krathong) made by weaving banana leaves and decorated with flowers and incense into the sea.

The First Loy Krathong Festival

The following story was written by King Mongkut (Rama IV) in English in the year 1863.

In the reign of Somdet Phra Ruang there lived a famous Brahmin who was noted in the capital, and in all the surrounding country, for his great wisdom. There was no branch of knowledge whose depths he had not fathomed. He could read the stars, cast horoscopes, foretell eclipses, and fulfil the duties of a weather prophet. He was well versed in the mysteries of the theory and practice of medicine, and knew the names, habitats, and virtuous properties of all the plants that grew. As a theologian he could explain the origin of all things, and discourse upon the subtle doctrines of all the religions then known. He was an authority upon law, could tell what had been the customs of many people, and devise plans for firm and wise government. As a scholar of ancient practices he was unrivalled, and knew all the details of the growth and development of all religions and social usages. Such a man found great favour in the eyes of the sovereign, who made use of the Brahmin's great wisdom in the management of his subjects. He gave him many honours and appointed him to fill many important functions. Amongst many offices that he held, two were given him on account of his unrivalled knowledge, namely those of chief physician and chief judge.

This encyclopaedic philosopher had a young and graceful daughter whom he called Nopamas. And as became a child of so wise a father, she was also well-skilled in many arts and sciences. Her beauty was the subject of every song, and her name was on everyones mouth. The whole nation was enthusiastic in their praise for her, and so great were her charms and abilities that even her own sex regarded her not with envy, but were proud that one of their number should be distinguished. She was almost as learned as her father and was wont to discourse upon all subjects with great intelligence. She was a clever poetess, a skilful musician, and an artist of great power. And when the poets of the country had exhausted all their vocabulary in describing her beauty and her talents, they began to sing of the honours she ought to receive, and greatest of all these was the honour of becoming the wife of the king. One day the king listened to a group of musicians who were merrily singing, and the subject of their song was the wondrous Nopamas, fit only for the wife of the sovereign. The song scorned the idea of her wedding any one of less degree, and eulogised her to such an extent that the listening monarch's curiosity became very great. He returned to his palace, and sought for the ladies of his household. He told them all he had heard, and enquired if anyone of them knew anything of this peerless creatures. To the king's eager enquiries they returned the answer that the song was true, but that no words could adequately describe the charms of the Brahmin maiden. The king could no longer restrain his desire to possess so fair a creature, and he sent the most elderly ladies of his retinue, according to the custom of the country, to ask her father for her hands.

The ladies went, and their mission was entirely successful. The old counsellor who had received so many favours from his sovereign was glad to have an opportunity of showing his gratitude in this way, so he willing presented his renowned daughter to his royal master. He sent her to the king, who ever afterwards treated her with great tenderness and affection, and soon made her chief of the ladies in the palace. Both of them enjoyed the greatest happiness when in each other's company, and whenever Nopamas was not engaged in fulfilling her duties in her department of the palace, she held converse with the king, delighting him with her great wisdom and knowledge, and charming him with her compositions in music and poetry.

Soon after their marriage there occurred a celebration of the Kathin ceremony, and the king desired of fair Nopamas to accompany him on his water procession. Now, although this beautiful wife had married a Buddhist king, she still remained true to her Brahmin faith, and worshipped her own idols and spirits according to the precepts her father had taught he in her early childhood. It was a Brahminical custom that, at the end of the year, all people should prepare suitable offerings to present to the genii of the river, in order to obtain pardon and the absolution of their sins. Towards the end of the year, when the people were getting ready to celebrate the Kathin, Nopamas secretly prepared to perform her own religious rites, and for this purpose she made a small boat-like structure, called a "krathong", made of banana leaves. She then loaded it with paddy husks to make it float in stable equilibrium. She stitched strips of plantain leaves together, and pinned them around the edge of the little boat by way of ornament. Over the ballast she spread smooth clean plantain leaves, and on this green leafy deck she placed a little cargo of betel-nut, betel leaf, parched rice, and sweet scented flowers. She took several fresh fruits of a fleshy character, such as the papaya and the pumpkin, and deftly carved them into representations of fruits, flowers, and animals, and piled them up in a conical arrangement in the centre. The artificial flowers she stained with the juices of other plants to make them resemble real blossoms. Here and there she fastened one of her own sketches or paintings, and finally finished the work by adorning it with storied umbrellas of paper, tiny flags, toy implements, tapers, and scented incense sticks.

On the first evening of the Kathin ceremony the boats were arranged in front of the palace landing, as usual, and the stats barge with the glass throne was moored there, pending the arrival of the king. Suddenly everyone's attention was attracted by a strange-looking object that was being floated to the royal landing. It was the Krathong that Nopamas had made. She intended to light the tapers and the incense sticks, and sent the float adrift to bear he message to the spirits, at the same time that the royal party should set out to visit the temples. But as soon as the Krathong had come to the landing, all the ladies, and the members of the royal family, who were assembled there to wait for the coming of the king, crowded round it, and begged to to be allowed to examine it, so Nopamas had to explain the design and the meaning of this, her handiwork. So great was the interest exhibited by everyone in the pretty toy, that no one noticed the arrival of the king, and he seeing the crowd so noisy and so attracted, enquired, what was the cause of their merriment and amusement. Someone told him that everyone was busily admiring a float that this beautiful consort had made. He then ordered the object to be brought to him that he might also see and hear about it. When he saw it he could not find sufficient words to express his admiration of the skill that had designed and constructed it. He requested to be allowed to keep it, and Nopamas knelt before him and presented him with the decorated krathong. He again praised the work, but more still did he praise she who had made it. But when he had examined it a little longer, he discovered its purpose, and said, "This is the offering of a lady of the Brahmin faith," and Nopamas answered him saying, "That is so, for I am a Brahmin, and hitherto Your Majesty has not interfered with my religious belief, so at this season of the year, I have made this little krathong with the intention of floating it down the river as an offering to the spirits of the water,as is right and proper for a maiden of the Brahmin faith to do."

Phra Ruang was a good Buddhist and a devout believer in the teachings of his own religion. Still, the Krathong looked very pretty, and he had a great desire to light the incense sticks and the tapers and send it adrift as Nopamas had intended. But he was afraid of the opinions of the people. For if he should make this offering to the spirits and not to Buddha, he was afraid the people might upbraid him and accuse him of having abandoned his religion for that of his wife. But he could not resist the temptation to see what the krathong would look like when it was illuminated, so, not without some little misgivings, he lit the lights upon the leafy boat. And still he was not satisfied, for he wanted to see it drifting away into the darkness, with the tapers reflecting their glittering light in the flowing waters. Therefore he cast about in his mind for some excuse to explain his actions, and presently he spoke in a loud voice that all around him, whether upon the landing-stage, the banks of the river, or in the boats before him, might hear, and said, "To all the property, such as temples, pagodas, and spires that are dedicated to Buddha on the banks of this river; to all his sacred relics, such as his bones and hair, wherever they may be in the subterranean regions concealed from the eye, under the river, or in places which Buddha has pressed with his feet, when moving in his might or in his natural state; to his footprints in this river, or in the ocean which receives the stream of this river, - to them I offer this krathong and its contents as worthy of the great Buddha. To him and to the relics and to his property I reverently dedicate this krathong. And whatever merit I may obtain by this deed, that merit I do not appropriate for myself, but give to the genii, in whose honour the krathong was first made by Nopamas, for I too reverence the spirits she intended to honour." Having finished this speech in defence of his actions, and having satisfied his own conscience, he placed the brilliantly illuminated float in the water, for the stream to carry away to the sea..

But all these proceedings, though very complimentary to Nopamas herself, did not in any way realise her idea as to what was due to the water-spirits from who was a Brahmin. As she had now no offering, she at once set to work to make one. She hastily gathered fresh leaves and bound them together into a square, shallow box. She cut bits of banana stem to fasten to it, and in the middle she quickly stuck a few tapers and joss-sticks, borrowed from the people round about her. Into the boat she cast anything she could find, lit the tapers, made her vows and resolves mentally, and cast the toy adrift to follow the one the king had already launched. The monarch saw it, and knew who had made it so quickly, for there was but one woman in the land who had the knowledge and the skill to constructed a new krathong so easily. He was loud in his praise, and the people, stirred by the example thus set them, took everything that they could find that would float, stuck lighted tapers and incense sticks in them them, and put them in the water, till presently the river was all ablaze with twinkling lights, and the air was full of the joyful sound of merry laughter.

The king was highly delighted with the sight, and ordered that it should occur annually in honour of the wise and beautiful Nopamas. And he entreated the genni of the river to take possession of the hearts and minds of all his subjects at this season of the year, for ever and ever and compel them to hold a great festival, which he named for short "Loy Krathong". Loy means to send adrift, and Krathong means: a little basket-like boat containing small flowers and other offerings suitable for the water spirits. There are those in the country who say that all the descendants of those who witnessed the first ceremony, are slaves of Phra Ruang, and that at the proper season their minds are forced to obey his wishes, and send adrift the taper-bearing floats.

For seven hundred years the ceremony has existed, but its details have changed with each succeeding generation. A few years after its initiation the king ceased his visitation to all temples that were not near at hand, and all the fireworks that used to be let off on his arrival were brought together to make a gorgeous display at the palace landing. The king sat on a throne to watch the general amusement, and then sent adrift one or more krathongs.

Since the foundation of Bangkok the ceremonies of Kathin and Loy Krathong have branched off from each other. During the first and second reigns of the present dynasty the nobles vied with each other to make more and more gorgeous krathongs. The third king found that this was unnecessary as it had cost the nobles big expenses for nothing, so he stopped it as a royal ceremony, but the people still continued with it and so the Loy Krathong has since then become a public ceremony instead.

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TUNG JI (Winter Solstice)15th 11th moon of the Lunar Calendar

Chinese Thanksgiving Day held six weeks before Chinese New Year. Although there is no winter in Penang, the Chinese still practice this tradition here. In the past with the arrival of Tung Jie, the Chinese would start preparing for the coming Chinese New Year. Glutinous rice balls (yuan) of different colors  boiled in sweet soup is eaten. After eating the "Yuan" meaning "round" to symbolize family unity,  the Chinese age is added to everyone.

Note: The Chinese age is calculated by the Lunar Calendar. A person once born is considered as 1 years old. So a person born weeks before Chinese New Year will be considered as 2 years old after  the Chinese New Year even though that person might be just a few months old.

Origin of Chinese Winter Solstice

The term Tung Ji is a Chinese expression for the winter solstice. After the winter solstice the days become longer and the nights are shorter, and it is time for families to store their harvests, and cease their farming work, for a period of joyful relaxation.

During this winter holiday, people perform folk performances to thank gods for bringing them rich harvests over the year, and pray for safety and prosperity in the coming year.

As depicted in a poem written by Mr. Xu Shr Hong, of the Ching Dynasty, ancient celebrations for the Tung Ji Festival were no less grand and numerous than those for the lunar New Year Holiday, and children would kneel and bow to show respect for their parents at the festival.

In ancient times, Tung Ji was also a time for family reunions, and was therefore called A Little New Year's Day. In ancient agricultural society, those who traveled or worked far from home would return home around the Tung Ji Festival for a family gathering, and to express their filial piety to their parents. People of south China usually eat "Yuan", or balls of glutinous rice, at the festival, while those in the north usually have Hun Dun, or stuffed dumplings. According to the Chinese custom, eating Yuan of Hun Dun, symbolizes that a person is 1 year older.

Ancient Chinese observe the practice of rewarding livestock and daily used utensils at the Tung Ji Festival, for their contributions over the year. Such a humane custom has been passed on to the present. People now tend to reward livestock by cleaning and patching up the livestock ranges, and reward daily used utensils by giving them a thorough cleaning or maintenance.

Tung Ji features the longest night of the year. After Tung Ji, nights are increasingly shorter, and the days increasingly longer, symbolizing growing brightness and hope to farmers. The weather is getting chilly, but people feel warm and hopeful when observing the Tung Ji Festival.

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CHRISTMAS DAY

Christmas Day, the 25^th of December is celebrated by people of all religions in Penang. Events are held at all churches and night spot entertainment outlets.

Origin

Historians are unsure exactly when Christians first began celebrating the Nativity of Christ. However, most scholars believe that Christmas originated in the 4th century as a Christian substitute for pagan celebrations of the winter solstice.
The Romans honored Saturn, the ancient god of agriculture, each year beginning on December 17 in a festival called the Saturnalia. This festival lasted for seven days and included the winter solstice, which at that time fell on 25 December (today, following calendar reform, it falls on 21 December). During Saturnalia the Romans feasted, postponed all business and warfare, exchanged gifts, and temporarily freed their slaves. With the lengthening of daylight, these and other winter festivities continued through January 1, the festival of Kalends, when Romans marked the day of the new moon and the first day of the month and year.

By the fourth century another factor was also at work. Many Romans also celebrated the solstice on December 25th with festivities in honor of the rebirth of Sol Invictus, the "Invincible Sun God", or with rituals to glorify Mithra, the ancient Persian god of light (see Mithraism). Sol Invictus was a cult to which both Constantine himself before his confession of Christianity, and his predecessor Diocletian who had rebuilt the Roman Empire, were especially devoted, and to whom they had attributed their military successes. Constantine is therefore assumed to have found it convenient to find a common major festival for both Sol Invictus and Christianity.

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