BY NATASHA JEE & ALEXANDRA LORNA
KUCHING: This year, the Teochew Hiang Thian Siang Ti Temple at Carpenter Street here has put up more lanterns to celebrate Chap Goh Mei, which falls on Tuesday (Feb 15).
Chap Goh Mei is the last day of the Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration.
Lanterns are one of the traditions to celebrate Chap Goh Mei besides fireworks and firecrackers.
The temple once again welcomes worshippers after being closed for the past two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
On the night of the celebration, worshippers would pray for blessings in their lives.
Sarawak Teochew Sim Clan Association vice-president Datuk Sim Kiang Chiok said worshippers could offer items such as rock sugar lion, rock sugar pagoda, joss stick urn and gold paper flowers.
“The offering of rock sugar lion is for business success, rock sugar pagoda for career advancement, and joss stick urn and gold paper flowers for protection, which would then be brought back home to be kept at the altar till the next festival.
“This tradition is being kept alive by the temple and the Kuching Teochew Association.
“In addition, lion and dragon dance will be performed at the temple’s entrance about 7.30pm in the evening on Chap Goh Mei.”
On Chap Goh Mei, the other tradition is when single ladies throw oranges into the river in hopes of finding a suitor.
“Interestingly, it is still being practiced in Kuching as a fun gesture rather than a serious dating method.”
Sim said the standard operating procedures (SOP) were still in place – worshippers have to scan their temperature and check in with the MySejahtera app, observe physical distancing and wear masks.
The Hiang Thian Siang Ti Temple or known as Deity of the North Temple, was built in 1863.
It was built by the Teochews who came from China. Originally located at Soon Hoon Street — now known as Main Bazaar — the temple was moved to its present location in 1889 after it was razed by fire in 1884.
In 1968, the temple underwent a major renovation and the statues of the deities were completely refurbished.
Every fourth day during the 12 moons of the Lunar Calendar, devotees would congregate to commemorate the refurbishment of the statues of the deities, completed in 1968.
The majestic temple is a popular tourist attraction. In the old days, a management committee called “Ngee Ann Kiun” was elected annually to manage the temple.
This committee was later renamed “Soon Hong Kong Si” which became a registered society when the Registration of Societies Ordinance was introduced in 1914.
In addition, the formation of the Kuching Teochew Association originated from the temple.
