DEITY JOSS PAPER

During the Chou dynasty, a government official, Fu-Der Chang, born on the 2nd Day of the 2nd lunar month, was in charge of taxes. During his term, he helped and earned the respect of many people. After his death at age 102, the replacement officer increased taxes, and many became poor. One poor peasant decided to build a stone house to worship Fu-Der Chang. Over the years, many people contributed money to build a proper temple for Fu-Der Chang, and venerated him a new name 福德正神, or 土地公 as we know today. Till this day, many still pray to him on the 2nd and the 16th of each lunar month, as well as his birthday for wealth and well being.

Tua Pek Kong is one of the pantheon around the coastal areas of Singapore and Malaysia. According to folk religions, Tua Pek Gong, is an emblem of the early Chinese community, the protector of oversea Chinese, and the seas. Being the spiritual anchor, who is revered and respected, many early immigrants pray to him for safety, good harvest and wealth - Tou Ya, or the day Tua Pek Gong starts work, falls on the 2nd day of the 2nd lunar month. Today, many people continue the practice of preparing sumptuous offerings on “TouYa”, hoping Tua Pek Kong will answer all their prayers - wealth, children, longevity and career.

Guan Yu, is a general and a warrior serving during the Han period. His life was celebrated and his achievements glorified to such an extent after his death, that he was deified by the Sui Dynasty and became a war god. In religious faith, he is reverentially called the “Emperor Guan” or Guan Di. Popularised by the 14th-century novel “Romance of the three kingdoms” for his loyalty and righteousness, his ubiquitous influence became a paradigm worshipped by many Chinese people today - especially Chinese businesses.

Jade Emperor, was known by many names in Chinese mythology, and one such example is Tian Gong, the Father of Heaven. There are many myths and lore detailing the Jade Emperor’s beginnings, with each a different tale, but all point to him being the reigning monarch of the divine, with the highest authority in Heaven.

Guan Yin, is the Buddhist bodhisattva associated with compassion. She was first given the appellation of “goddess of mercy” by missionaries in China. Swathed in white, standing atop a lotus pedestal, a willow branch in one hand, and with many different lores to her name, one similarity stands out - she is an embodiment of compassion who is an all-seeing, all hearing being, guiding many to live a kind, honest and merciful life.

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