【Our Native Land | Perak】Nine Emperor Gods Festival in Malaysia

The belief in the Nine Emperor Gods is widely practiced in Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore. It was introduced by Chinese ancestors who came to the region, and after more than a century, this tradition has been passed down through generations. Malaysia, in particular, has preserved the belief exceptionally well.

When is the Nine Emperor Gods Festival?

The Nine Emperor Gods Festival is celebrated annually during the first nine days of the ninth lunar month in the Chinese calendar. In 2024, the festival will take place from October 3rd to October 11th.

Why is the Nine Emperor Gods Festival celebrated?

The Nine Emperor Gods Festival is celebrated to honor the Nine Emperor Gods, believed to be celestial deities associated with the Big Dipper constellation. The festival is believed to bring blessings, ward off misfortune, and promote health and longevity. It symbolizes the renewal of spiritual strength and devotion among the followers of Taoism and Chinese folk beliefs.

Temples and Celebrations Across Malaysia

Malaysia is home to over seventy member temples of the Nine Emperor Gods General Association of Dou Mu Gong, with the total number of temples believed to be over one hundred. Celebrations for the Nine Emperor Gods’ Birthday vary from temple to temple, yet the common theme is deep devotion and veneration.

In regions like Ipoh, the festival is marked by the raising of yellow flags and lighting of lanterns, symbolizing the start of a sacred period of fasting and prayer. During this time, devotees adhere to various taboos and practices, such as wearing white attire, abstaining from meat, and avoiding certain activities to maintain spiritual purity and focus on their devotion.

Mystical Origins and Legends of the 9 Emperor Gods

The origins are shrouded in mystery; there are two versions of the Nine Emperor Gods legends. One popular legend claims that they were nine righteous pirates who helped the poor and were later executed, with their spirits traveling to Southeast Asia. Another story links them to Zheng Chenggong, a Ming Dynasty general who held a secret nine-day meeting while following a vegan diet.

Taoist beliefs offer a different perspective, connecting the Nine Emperor Gods to the Big Dipper constellation, with the gods being the sons of Dou Mu, the Mother of the Great Chariot.

Rituals and Vegetarian Practices

Devotees follow strict rituals during the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, with fire-walking and bridge-crossing ceremonies on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month which is believed to remove misfortune and bring blessings. Another key practice during the festival is adopting a vegetarian diet that symbolizes purification of body and spirit.

In Ipoh, the “miku” or Red Tortoise Bun, a traditional delicacy, is a must-have during the festival, representing longevity and good fortune.

Sincere Devotion to the Nine Emperor Gods

Regardless of the legend or belief system, devotees maintain sincere prayers for health, longevity, and the removal of disasters. The Nine Emperor Gods Festival remains a vibrant and essential part of Southeast Asian culture, with its enduring customs passed down through generations.

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