has been seen as the most important day to the Hokkien ( a.k.a Fujian - a province in China; also a chinese dialect ) people as it was on this day that the entire clan of Hokkiens were spared from being massacred.
The story goes that a long time ago, another ethnic group attempted to kill all the Fujian Chinese causing them to flee into a forest of sugarcanes, hiding there until the 8th day of Chinese New Year when their enemies had gone.
On the 9th day of the Chinese New year, they went home and re-celebrated their Chinese New year. Preparations begin on the morning of the 8th day, by buying all the essential items needed for the celebration – sugar cane stalks, roasted pigs, cooked meats and fruits which will be laid out in front of the houses as offering. At the stroke of midnight, they give thanks to the Jade Emperor, also known as the God of Heaven.
Firecrackers are let off and the night sky is ablaze with fireworks. Businessmen of the Hokkien community take the festival quite seriously – their bountiful offerings are both for thanksgiving and in anticipation of a prosperous year ahead.
Although I'm hokkien, I don't celebrate this anymore, but I just thought I'd share some of my heritage
9 comments:
Hi Letti, I am hockkien too. But I don't celebrate 9th day now. Where I stay, I could hear firecrackers blasting non stop near SS2 and Damansara area.
Your postings for the CNY is most informative and have arouse some interest amongst westerners. Good for you.
Hey Letti,
I'm a hokkien too but I neither speaks nor understand the language.
I never heard of that, But it sounds great. I really didnt know it was all such a big event. Thanks for sharing x x
Oh wow how interesting! Thanks for sharing!!!
Thanks for sharing! it's neat learning about other cultures.
Between you and Desmond I understand more about the traditions my parents practice. They are not good at communicating about why they do the things they do...
Hi, I also have Chinese ancestry. Most Chinese here in the Philippines have their roots in Fujian province. I am amazed at your knowledge of tradition, I am not even aware that Chinese New Year celebrations go beyond the first day!
Letti,
Gung Hei Fat Choi in the year of the Rabbit.
Thought of you yesterday while watching the SF parade.
er...
Rooster not Rabbit
My humblest apologies. 'Tis touch getting old. ;-)
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