A Comfortable Sameness – The Emperor Returns

In keeping with tradition, the Emperor has returned to Ampang to bestow his blessings on our universe. Somehow my photos show a calmness in the midst of dancing lions and dragons and that amazing BOOM of the drum. It must be that drum. Its beat announces perpetuity, tradition and the power of belief.

When I left the temple in the early afternoon yesterday, it looked like this as donations were placed in front of the altar.

 

When I returned later, the place was beginning to feel more expectant. I met old friends, chatted and watched as the personal prayers began.

 

The chariots were brought in to the main altar with great pomp and ceremony. And BOOM BOOM BOOM went the drum!

 

There were consultations amongst the mediums as they prepared for trance. A camaraderie in purpose.

 

We paraded out to Jalan Ampang and while the mediums and the priests headed to the river to collect the Emperor, the devotees waited patiently, joss sticks burning slowly.

 

Within the hour, the Emperor had descended from the Heavens to join the festivities in Ampang. There were fireworks and ribbons of colour in dancing dragons as the procession moved back towards the temple. (I’ll leave those photos to the other photographers, who are better at it than I am) A spirit of joyous energy rose up, heads bowed, and the Emperor’s umbrella made the final turn in front of the temple gates.

 

And then, as for the past 150 years, the Emperor entered the temple. The moment exuded confidence and reverence. Balance in the universe. I was right beside the BOOMING drum and the CLANGING bell and their rhythm conjured up centuries of ritual and belief. Repetition. A comfortable sameness.

 

Then the devotees entered and joyous spirit filled the hall! Blessings of the Emperor sought in prayer.

Hail the Festival! Come one, Come all!