chinese religious practices, Penang

Every year the Chinese believes that the gate of hell will open and ghost ( hungry or not ) are allowed to roam the earth. Its their vacation and unfortunate events are always more during these months ...because they roam amongst us.

To appease them, chinese give offerings some of them can be very extravagance like a whole fleet of offering , gigantic dragon incense up to 2 metres high ,paper effify , hell notes ( in millions , now I think its cool to have people giving you money during your vacation , dont you think ? ) , performance of Chinese Opera ( now this is free ), stage performance etc.

During this event you can also see a huge , fiery and striking paper effigy representing the King of Hell siting on the temporary altar set for him ( you will notice his eyes are closed the first few days , so try not to look at it when his eyes are just open !!!

I am not aware of the way of worship of Buddhists but I noticed that worshippers were lightning candles in the temple. Those candles could be bought from a shop within the temple. I presumed that you make a wish and light a candle.

The temple was built in the 1800's by the first Chinese settlers. It is frequented by a large amount of the local residents.

At the burners outside, you can burn a few million in Monopoly money to ensure wealth in the afterlife.

Chinese flock to this temple to offer prayers.... especially during the Chinese New Year period.. obviously I am one of them... although its one a once a year basis...