The Custom of "Bai Tian Gong": An Important Tradition for the Chinese After the Lunar New Year

Bai Tian Gong is an important ritual for worshipping the Jade Emperor (玉皇大帝) in the Singaporean Minnan Chinese community, especially among those of Fujian descent. The ninth day of the first lunar month marks the birthday of the Jade Emperor, who is believed to be the supreme ruler of the heavens, overseeing the operation of all things in the universe. This day is known as "Tian Gong Sheng" (天公生), or "Birthday of the Jade Emperor."

According to legend, the custom of Bai Tian Gong originated from the history of the Fujianese ancestors. During a period of war, they sought refuge in sugarcane fields and were protected by the Jade Emperor, surviving the hardship. As a result, sugarcane became a central offering during the ritual. To show gratitude and seek blessings, the ritual is performed on the ninth day of the first lunar month every year.

Cultural and Religious Significance of Bai Tian Gong

Gratitude and Blessings

The essence of Bai Tian Gong is to show respect and gratitude towards heaven and earth. The ancestors of Fujian believed that the greatest blessings in life came from the protection of the Jade Emperor. Therefore, the annual ritual is not only a way to thank the past year but also a prayer for the year to come.

Family and Community Bonding

This ritual is often performed as a family unit, emphasizing the importance of family in Chinese culture. Many temples also host grand celebrations for Tian Gong Sheng, becoming important events for community bonding and interaction.

Integration of Religion and Folk Customs

Although Bai Tian Gong is closely related to Taoist beliefs surrounding the Jade Emperor, it has transcended a single religion and become a deeply rooted cultural practice in the Chinese community. It reflects the inclusivity and diversity of the Singaporean Minnan Chinese society.

Bai Tian Gong Ritual and Offerings

Time of Worship

The ritual is usually performed during the early hours of the ninth day, around midnight (11:00 PM to 1:00 AM), marking the start of a new day. If it is inconvenient to worship at midnight, it can also be done during the day.

Places of Worship in Singapore

In Singapore, there are several temples where the public can participate in the Bai Tian Gong ceremony, including the Zheng Hua Chun Tian Yun Temple Association, Punggol East Tian Ci Gong, Sembawang God of Wealth Temple, SengKang West Leong Nam Temple,  Telok Ayer Street Thian Hock Keng, Jurong West Yu Huang Dian Combined Temple, and Ang Chee Sia Ong Temple, among others.

Offerings

The preparation of offerings is very detailed, with each item carrying symbolic meaning:

• Sugarcane: The main offering, symbolizing "rising step by step" and representing the legend of the sugarcane fields.

• Fa Gao (Prosperity Cake): Symbolizes prosperity and good fortune.

• Fruits: Such as tangerines (representing great wealth) and apples (representing peace).

• The Five Sacrifices: Chicken, duck, pig, fish, and eggs, symbolizing abundance.

• Joss Paper and Heavenly Emperor Gold: These are burned as offerings after the ritual.

• Other Offerings: Red candles, incense burners, tea, and wine.

The offerings are usually placed on a table outdoors, facing the sky, to show respect to the Jade Emperor.

Ritual Steps

• Set up the altar: Arrange the offerings neatly on the altar, often with a red cloth covering the table.

• Light incense and pray: Family members take turns lighting incense, bow three times, and recite prayers for peace, health, and success.

• Burn joss paper: Burn the Jade Emperor Gold and other joss paper according to the order, symbolizing the offerings being sent to heaven.

• Firecrackers: Set off firecrackers to create a lively atmosphere and usher in a year of good fortune.
  

Bai Tian Gong is more than just a religious ceremony; it is a manifestation of cultural identity. It brings together gratitude, respect, and prayers for blessings, while also strengthening family ties and community unity. In the face of modernity and globalization, this tradition remains vibrant, providing spiritual comfort and strength. This year, let us continue to pass on the ancient tradition of "Bai Tian Gong"!

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As this meaningful tradition approaches, we understand that the Bai Tian Gong ceremony is not just about seeking blessings and protection but also about honoring heritage. That’s why we’ve curated special Bai Tian Gong packages to make your preparations effortless and stress-free.

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Qingming also was known as tomb sweeping festival is a festival observed by many ethnic Chinese all over the world. It is known by many as the day we honor and remember our deceased ancestors and loved once. We usually gather as a family to either visit the cemetery, columbarium or temple where the remains of our loved once are placed.

Food offerings would be made, red candles and joss sticks would be lit and family members would pay respects by kowtowing, kneeling or bowing, usually with lighted joss sticks in their hands. Paper offerings such as mock money, paper clothes, cars, houses, and maids would also be burnt to ensure that our loved once are not short of material comforts in the after world.

Ever wondered what this little date marked Qingming is about?

NO WORRIES! Here are 5 interesting facts about Qingming

Qingming dated back to 2500 Years.

Qingming has been observed for 2500 years. It started in the Zhou dynasty where many emperors, kings and wealthy officials held extravagant ceremonies to honour their ancestors. They would offer sacrifice and pray for peace, prosperity and good harvest.

It was only during the Han dynasty when Qingming became a festival observed by the masses, and during the Tang dynasty when Qingming gradually became popular as the emperors emphasised paying respects to our ancestors during Qingming as filial piety.

From then on, the Chinese people started to tend to their family graves during Qingming and to offer paper and food offerings. In this way, they believe that their deceased ancestors will know that they have not forgotten them and in return bless them with prosperity.

Praying to houtu 后土Houtu,

also known as the earth deity are like the guardians of the area. We usually pay our respects to the earth deity in the respective cemeteries/columbarium/temple before paying respects to our ancestors as a show of respect and to pray for the offerings to be protected against wandering spirits.

Do not burn the candles along with joss offerings.

The candles that are lit up are believed to shine a light and bring brightness to the family and the spirits of deceased ancestors. They are also believed to represent the sun and the moon gods （日月神）. Burning the candles along with the joss offerings would mean burning away the light and brightness that it brings to the family and the spirits of deceased ancestors.

The bearded man on the paper notes is the jade emperor.

Yu Huang also known as the jade emperor is the emperor of heaven. So much like how Queen Elizabeth appears on every UK pound.

Qingming originated from han shi jie （寒食节）

Legend has it that during spring autumn era, during the Zhou dynasty, prince wen of the feudal state of Jin went into exile to avoid political prosecution during his childhood. When prince wen almost starved to death, an accompanying official named Jie zitui （介子推）made a bowl of soup with flesh from his thigh that saved prince wen’s life. 19 years later prince wen returned to the state of jin and became its ruler. The now, Duke Wen rewarded and honoured his followers generously. However, he forgo

It was then when the duke personally went in search for Jie and offered to confer onto him a title. Jie declined and retreated into the mountains with his aged mother as he only wanted to help the prince return and rule the feudal state of Jin. He did not want anything in return. In order to force Jie out of the mountains, Duke Wen ordered his men to set the forest on fire. However, Jie refused to come out of the mountains and three days later, Jie and his mother's body were found dead (burnt to death).

To honour the man that served wholeheartedly and never sought fame, Duke Wen buried them respectably and held a memorial service. He ordered his men not to light a fire and to eat cold food. It was the following year, on his death anniversary that he went to commemorate Jie at his tomb. Duke Wen saw the burnt willow tree grow back to life and remembered Jie's noble character. The Duke was so touched that he swept Jie’s tomb and went on to name that day hanshijie (寒食节) and ordered his subjects not to light fires and eat cold uncooked food on that day to commemorate Jie.

It was only in the Tang dynasty that has shi jie evolved into qing ming Jie.

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