Bai Tian Gon @ Chew Jetty Penang

The ninth day of the Lunar New Year is a big day for many, for it is the day for theBai Tian Gong ritual (literally translated as "praying to the heaven's God". Bai Tian Gong is mostly practiced by the Hokkien people as it originated from the Hokkien province, but many from other groups join in the celebration as well.Legend has it that the festival started during the Ming dynasty, as an appreciation towards the Jade Emperor for saving the Hokkien people from a bandit raid. When the refugees emerged from their hiding places, they realized that it was the birthday of the Jade Emperor and made offerings and prayers for their safety, marking the start of the Bai Tian Gong practice.Hokkien-centric areas such as the CChew Jetty in Penang have large celebrations that can easily see thousands of people gathering every year. The festivities begin on the night of the 8th Lunar New Year, when offerings of every sort and kind—ranging from roasted pork, duck, chicken and dumplings to fruits, wine andmuch more--will be prepared.Decorations and prayer items, such as urns, incense and jossticks are often found arranged neatly in the celebration areas. Fireworks displays are also common during the prayers to mark the occasion.