Victor
shared this story and photos of his visit to the Ubin on 21 Aug 05
to catch the traditional seventh month (Hungry Ghost Festival) celebrations.
Hi folks, This morning, Jean and I went birdwatching in Pulau Ubin.
And we thought why not, "kill two birds with one stone" oophs.
Along the way, we captured some pictures of the Natoh Gong along the
tracks. When we came back to the town square, the prayer was in progress.
All the offerings were there and the Teochew Opera was playing a background
music.
Many people were busy offering prayers with joss sticks and every
now and then, one could hear the bell ringing. Ah, in this temple,
it is a DIY (do it yourself). One could put the money into the safe
and then ring the bell to tell the Gods. And well, the people too.
There was one lady who was telling us that she left the island 26
years ago, but every year she comes back to pay respects to the temple,
as well as to her ancestor in Pulau Ubin. She's staying in Bedok,
but her brother is still staying in Ubin.
To see a freshly slaughtered pig in mainland Singapore, I suppose
it is almost impossible.
Until a couple of years ago, during temple events, one could see freshly
slaughtered pigs and goats. But today, there was only one pig. Still
it was a pleasant surprise. There were of course, roast pig, braised
ducks (ah, indication of Teochew).
Today was photography galore and there were plenty, professional cameras,
the whip-up-and-shoot kind and of course, the handphones.
Just as we finished lunch, we were in time to see the "jiong guan"
(hokkien) and the "princess" bringing "tai-zi-ya" (the doll) to the
altar inside the Tua Pek Kong temple. With the couple was the 'shelter'
carried by an old soldier. And with them, were six Generals! They
were dressed in their best colours.
As they offered their prayer in the Zhong Yuan tentage, the local
guy was requesting that the night they would "huat ah" (prosper ..
probably meaning the 4-D)
There were quite a number of things for auction, ranging from industrial
fans to bicycles to SONY TVs! We did not stay back to watch the auction.
Next year, on 15th of the 7th Month, we would be more ready to go
and record the event.
It was a great trip this morning. We paid a brief visit to the former
Village Headman's house. The maids pushed him in his wheelchair to
the jetty to enjoy the sea breeze. I had the chance to talk with his
son who was there to take care of him.
Apparently, the headman, now 100 years old, is not recognising many
people as he used to. But he still looks healthy.
Victor
Singapore |
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