KAMPUNGBOYCITYGAL A MALAYSIAN FOOD & TRAVEL BLOG

Yes, we had a not so romantic v-day celebration this year because it coincides with the eight day of Chinese New Year (bai tin gong). Nevertheles, KampungBoy enjoyed himself tremendously for taking part in such ceremony for the very first time while I had so much fun meeting my friends and relatives. Our place is crowded by friends and relatives, chatting away or trying on their luck on a game or two while waiting for the clock to strike midnight.

I can still recall the story behind BaiTinGong vividly – During the Song Dynasty (Mongols), a massive massacre happened to the clans in Southern China (Fujian, Henan, etc) because the clans are seen as a threat to Mongols’ kingdom. The Hokkiens ran for their life and they hide themselves under clusters of sugarcane. After days of locating them but no avail, the Mongols left. It was the dawn of the ninth day of CNY. So, the Hokkiens believe that their life and prosperity are granted by the heavenly god (tian gong) and sugarcane plants are their refuge. Up to today, the Hokkiens still regard the ninth day of CNY as a significant day and a pair of sugarcane that resemble unity and strength was placed on both side of the offering table main gate.

Paper piles that will be burned after the prayers ritual

Sugar tower

Roasted pig

Did you watch the Digi Feng Sui Master advertisement? Hoping that every corner of our house will be a “hou wong” (very yellow) spot, my dad came out with a somewhat quirky idea that whoever who turn up in yellow outfit will stand a chance to win cash prizes. My mum was one of the people who wore yellow that night too!