槟城宝福社大伯公的职分(英文)The Role Of Poh Hock Seah

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Upon the dissolution of the Khian Teik Tong – a Hokkien unregistered Society in 1890, POH HOCK SEAH was formed by a Council of Straits-born Chinese with the aim of looking after the interests of the Hokkien Community. It was officially registered the same year with it objectives as:

(a) To worship “Hock Teik Cheng Sin” (God of Blessing, Prosperity and Morality) in the Temple of Hock Teik Soo at No.57, Armenian Street, Penang.

(b) To promote unity, sympathy and brotherhood among members.

(c) To arbitrate any misunderstanding among the members and generally to promote the welfare of the Seah.

This Organisation is entrusted with the full responsibility of carrying out the yearly traditional Chneah Hoay (Flame Watching) Ceremony handed down by the Hokkien unregistered Society. This unique, traditional “Flame Watching”ceremony is always held at Hai Choo Soo or “Sea Pearl Isle Temple”, Tanjong Tokong on the eve of Chap Goh Meh – the last evening of the Chinese New Year Festival.

After the 1974 POH HOCK SEAH TUA PEH KONG HNEON PROCESSION, the “24 Hor Huat Looi Por Thean Koon” are worshipped. Yearly the Seah celebrates the Installation Day of the Thean Koon on the 8th Day of Chinese 4th Moon. A fresh pig and a fresh goat together with roasted pig, ducks, chickens and fruits are offered to the deities.

On the 23rd Day of Chinese 8th Moon, the Seah celebrates the Birthday of Tua Peh Kong. Stage operas are performed for three days. On the actual birthdate, Taoist priests are engaged to perform “Choe Cheo” religious ceremony throughout the day. “Ko Koon” Ceremony (Offering to celestial generals and guards) is conducted by a Taoist priest in the afternoon. These ceremonies are very important to invoke the good blessings of the deities.

Besides the three(3) important auspicious occasions, the Seah also observes other Chinese festivals.

On the Second Day of the fifteen day Chinese New Year Celebration, the Seah prays to deceased members as well as all the deities. It is known as “Kai Nien” day or the opening day of the Chinese New Year or “Thow Geh”.

On the 4th Day of the Chinese First Moon, the Seah holds its “Chi Sin” day – welcoming the return of the deities.

The 9th Day of First Moon is the Birthday of “Thnee Kong”. At 12.00 midnight of 8th Day of 1st Moon, officials of the Seah gather to pray to the Hade Emperor for his blessings.

“Cheng Beng” falls on the 5th of April each year. On this day the Seah gives offering to all deceased members.

On the 12th Day of the 7th Moon, the paper money and joss-sticks are burnt and offerings of wine, food, fruits etc are made to souls from purgatory who are released in the seventh month. (Hungry Ghost Festival)

Special small, coloured “ball” of glutinous rice flour in sugar solution are offered to deities and ancestral spirits as symbol of reunion on “Tung Chek” - Winter Festival”.

“Boey Geh” - (The closing of a Successful Year) is held on 16th Day of 12th Moon.

On the 24th Day of the 12th Moon (“Sing Sin” day) the Seah symbolically sends off the deities who return to heaven for their annual visits to the Jade Emperor.