Nine Emperor Gods Festival: History & Rituals Observed

九皇爷

The Nine Emperor Gods History & Origins

The belief in the Nine Emperor Gods, known for its deep spiritual significance, is prevalent across Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore. This ancient practice took root in Malaysia with the arrival of Chinese ancestors who migrated to Nanyang (Southeast Asia). Over a century has passed, and this belief has been passed down from generation to generation, making Malaysia one of the countries where the Nine Emperor Gods’ tradition has been best preserved.

Each year, during the 9th lunar month, devotees in Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries commemorate the Nine Emperor Gods’ Birthday. Despite regional variations in how the festival is celebrated, the core theme remains the same: veneration, devotion, and prayer.

The Malaysia Nine Emperor Gods Dou Mu Gong Temple Association consists of over 70 temples, although it is believed that more than 100 Nine Emperor Gods temples exist across the country. In Ipoh’s Dou Mu Gong Temple, the annual celebration begins on the 30th day of the 8th lunar month, with the setting up of betel palms and lighting of the nine-star lanterns. These lanterns remain lit throughout the celebration, culminating on the 10th day of the 9th lunar month, when the 9 Emperor Gods are sent off.

Legends Behind the Nine Emperor Gods

There is considerable debate among scholars regarding the origins of the Nine Emperor Gods, and several fascinating legends surround their story. In an interview, folklorist Mr. Lee Eng Kew highlighted the most popular version, which centers around the legend of nine righteous pirates.

The Righteous Pirates Legend

One of the most popular legends explains that the Nine Emperor Gods were originally nine righteous pirates. These pirates were known for robbing the rich to help the poor. Eventually, they were captured and executed by the government, with their bodies cast into the sea. Their spirits are believed to have drifted to Southeast Asia, marking the beginning of the 9 Emperor Gods’ worship in the region.

The Zheng Chenggong Connection

Another legend links the Nine Emperor Gods to the historical figure Zheng Chenggong (also known as Koxinga), who fought to restore the Ming Dynasty against the Qing Dynasty. According to this tale, Zheng Chenggong held a secret nine-day meeting while following a strict vegan diet. This event is thought to be the origin of the "Nine Emperor Vegan Diet," which is observed during the festival.

Taoist Beliefs and Origins

Despite these legends, folklorist Mr. Lee Eng Kew asserts that the belief in the Nine Emperor Gods is more deeply rooted in Taoism. In the Ming Dynasty, Taoist texts like “The Jade Box Records” noted the significance of the Nine Stars of the Big Dipper. The period between the 1st and 9th day of the 9th lunar month is considered auspicious, hence, fasting during this time is believed to enhance efficiency of prayer compared to normal days. Consequently, the 1st day to the 9th day of the 9th lunar month is observed as the custom of the Nine Emperor vegan diet.

Dou Mu and Her Nine Sons

According to the Taoist classics, the mother of the Nine Emperor Gods is called Dou Mu (Mother of the Great Chariot). Dou Mu incarnated into the form of nine stars, representing her nine sons, namely Greedy Wolf Star, Huge Door Star, Money Star, Academic Star, Sickness Star, Military Arts Star, Broken Soldier Star, Left Assistant Star and Right Assistant Star.

Nine Emperor Gods Festival in Malaysia

The Nine Emperor Gods Festival is celebrated with great fervor throughout Malaysia. One of the key locations for the festival is Ipoh’s Dou Mu Gong Temple, where the celebrations begin with the erection of betel palms and the lighting of nine-star lanterns. This tradition begins on the 30th day of the 8th lunar month and continues through the early hours of the 10th day of the 9th lunar month, after the deities are sent off.

While the practices may vary between different temples and regions, the core of the celebration is unified by devotion, prayer, and the offering of free vegan meals to devotees.

Common Taboos and Practices During the Festival

  • Abstaining from Meat: Devotees follow a strict vegetarian or vegan diet for the duration of the festival (typically 10 days). This practice symbolizes purity of the body and spirit, aligning with the spiritual goals of the festival.

  • Wearing Plain or White Clothing: Devotees often wear plain, white, or light-colored clothes during the festival which is a sign of humility and devotion, representing purity and a focus on the spiritual realm.

  • Avoiding Impure Thoughts and Actions: They strive to maintain mental and emotional purity, by refraining from negative thoughts or actions. Purifying the mind is seen as equally important as purifying the body through diet.

  • Volunteering at Temples: Some devotees spend their time volunteering at temples to perform various duties as a form of service. This act of devotion is another way to purify the heart and mind during the festival.

  • Daily Worship and Midnight Prayers: They also engage in daily worship, including offering petitions written on white paper. Midnight prayers are particularly important, as devotees present their specific requests to the deities at this time.

Free Vegan Meals and the Purity Ritual

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During the Nine Emperor Gods Festival period, temples around the world prepare free vegan meals to bond with the faithful and fasting devotees. (Image Source: Our Native Land)

A central element of the Nine Emperor Gods Festival is the offering of free vegan meals to devotees. Temples worldwide prepare these meals to strengthen the bond between the faithful and the fasting devotees. This practice symbolizes purity, both of the body and the mind.

During the festival, many devotees can be seen dressed in plain, simple attire, often volunteering at the temple. Their participation is an expression of devotion and a means to purify their hearts, making them more spiritually receptive to the blessings of the Nine Emperor Gods.

Lee Eng Kew stated that, according to the "28 Chapters Sutra of Taishang Beidou", the devotees observed a vegan diet from the 1st to the 9th day of the 9th month. On each of the nine days, at precisely 12 am, the devotees are to don plain attire, crowns, and footwear. They are then to prepare a piece of white paper or a white book and inscribe upon it their petitions to be presented to the Deities. During this period, the devotees engage in daily worship and prayer, requesting specific items or actions from the deity. These requests may be granted, and the devotees may receive responses.

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The "Red Turtle Bun" among the Fujianese people is one of the most representative foods during the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, which represents longevity and peace. (Image Source: Our Native Land)

Key Rituals: Removal of Misfortune and Prolonging Life

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On the 9th day of the 9th lunar month, which marks the culmination of the Nine Emperor Gods’ Birthday celebrations, numerous Dou Mu Gong temples hold rituals such as "Crossing the Flaming Mountain" and "Crossing the Bridge of Mending Luck." (Image Source: Our Native Land)

The primary goal of the Nine Emperor Gods Festival is to pray for the removal of misfortune, the prolongation of life, and the attainment of good health. On the 9th day of the 9th lunar month, which marks the culmination of the festival, many temples hold rituals such as "Crossing the Flaming Mountain" and "Crossing the Bridge of Mending Luck."

Crossing the Flaming Mountain

  • Reserved exclusively for vegetarians

  • Participants cross a symbolic fire to eliminate bad luck

Crossing the Bridge of Mending Luck

  • Open to all devotees

  • Symbolizes making up for lost luck and enhancing one's fortune

According to Mr. Zhu Yun Nan, General Affairs Officer at Ipoh’s Dou Mu Gong Temple, the Flaming Mountain ritual attracts hundreds of devotees each year. While the ritual is primarily for vegetarians, the Dragon Bridge is accessible to all, providing an opportunity for all devotees to make up their luck.

The Mystical Significance of the Big Dipper

The heart of the 9 Emperor Gods belief lies in the worship of the Big Dipper, a powerful symbol in Taoist cosmology. The Big Dipper is believed to have the power to prolong life and improve one’s fortune. This form of heavenly body worship has been practiced in China since the Han Dynasty and continues to play a significant role in Taoist traditions today.

Through the solemn and mystical rituals of the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, devotees not only engage in prayers for health and fortune but also connect with an ancient belief that has endured for centuries. Although the origins of the Nine Emperor Gods may remain shrouded in legend, the festival's significance as a cultural and spiritual practice is undeniable.

Reposted in full from The Interview website

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