Nine Emperor Gods Festival
A little balance in the offing
In a few days, a new moon will awaken the energies of all that is past and all that is future. Soon we will arrive at the great Ninth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, a time to expend effort…
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Walking the Festival with the Sifu
Of the many themes that can be explored at the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, it is the mediums who demand much of our attention. And so it is with my images of the last two days. For now, I must…
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“And the Rain, Rain, Rain came Down, Down, Down”
“Drip down, O heavens, from above, And let the clouds pour down righteousness; Let the earth open up and salvation bear fruit, And righteousness spring up with it.” – Isaiah 45:8 And rain it did! Even the offerings wore…
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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…
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Kau Ong Yah 2014 in Ampang, Invitation Day
Welcome to Tokong Kau Ong Yah Ampang! The space is as beautiful and welcoming as ever. There is even yin and yang in a small hand full of rice! The lantern pole is up and the gang is ready to,…
Read MoreLet’s Get this Party Started! Version 2014
Ampang Kow Ong Yah Temple will begin this year’s festival by raising the huge lantern pole and heading out to invite the Nine Emperor Gods to the temple. The lantern goes up on Tuesday, September 23rd at 11am (well, about…
Read MoreHong Kong St Tow Boh Keong Featured in The Star Online
It’s nice to see some attention paid to Hong Kong St Tow Boh Keong! The temple is finally getting some recognition as one of the oldest Nine Emperor Gods temples in SE Asia! This story about piercings and Master Khoo…
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After the Glow – A stillness returns to Ampang Kau Ong Yah
At the riverside, when we sent the Emperor back to the heavens, a yellow glow hung in the air, reminding us of the belief that powers the Nine Emperor Gods Festival. When we returned to the temple we met a…
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The Stars are Aligned and there is Energy! Day 2 at the Nine Emperor Gods Festival
Year after year, this festival continues to wow me! Once again, I had my socks blown off by the energy and enthusiasm of the Kau Ong Yah devotees in Ampang. The Day 2 procession of the Nine Emperor Gods Festival…
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The Emperor(s) have arrived!
Last evening, in temples across SE Asia, the Taoist community invited the Nine Emperor Gods to bless them with their presence. It is always a raucous, enjoyable time when people are thankful for their health and happiness and hopeful for…
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