GEORGE TOWN: A freak storm nearly blew away Penangites’ hopes of celebrating the much-anticipated Thnee Kong Seh’s (Jade Emperor) birthday here.

       But by 6.30pm, the rain petered out just in time for families to bring out and set up the red tables with offerings for prayers.

       The crisp, cool air and clean streets allowed the families to have their large, although muted, celebration for the first time since 2020.

       Over at the Lim Jetty in Weld Quay here, contractor Lim Pao Shen, 40, said his family, which is the fifth generation, would not miss out on this year’s celebration, as they wanted to keep up with the annual tradition.

       “There are 32 families which have been staying here for over 100 years.

       “This year’s celebration is scaled down. In the past, there would be at least 50 relatives in my house for the prayer, but this year only two families with about 10 people are here,” he said.

       The birthday of the Jade Emperor, who is the main deity in the Taoist pantheon, falls on the ninth day of Chinese New Year.

       In folklore, the Jade Emperor is the divinity who rescued the ancestors of the Hokkiens from the clutches of an invading army.

       Before the pandemic, jetty residents in Penang would celebrate the event in a grand manner by dedicating a feast to the King of Heaven.

       Among the offerings would include roast pig, chicken and duck, thnee kong kuih (peach-shaped cakes), ang koo (red glutinous tortoise cakes) and huat kuih (pink prosperity cakes) which would be laid out on a long table at the jetty’s entrance.

       Those who lived abroad and elsewhere would also return and contribute to the food and festivities.

       Past reports showed that in 2013, 2017 and 2018, rain fell by the buckets in Penang during Jade Emperor’s birthday celebrations.

       But each time, the rain will stop in time for devotees to offer their prayers and finish the celebrations.