The Nine Emperor Gods Festival (Kow Ong Yah) is a festival celebrated by many and mainly Chinese to commemorate the return from heaven to earth of the Nine Emperor spirits.
The festival falls on the ninth day of the ninth moon in the Chinese Lunar Calendar. Devotees congregate at temples throughout the country for the festival.
The Nine Emperor Gods are known locally as Jiu Hwang Yeh. These nine deities are believed to dwell in the stars in heaven.
On the eve of the ninth moon, temple committee members and followers of the deities hold a ceremony to invite and welcome the nine emperors. Devotees dressed in traditional white, carrying incense and candles, await the arrival of their excellencies.
The Red Turtle "Pau" represents longevity and is used as an offering during prayers. Devotees are known to inscribe chinese wordings representing safety, health, good business, wealth, and prosperity in the belief that the "turtle" will carry their wishes to the gods.
A carnival-like atmosphere pervades the temple throughout the nine-day festival. During this period of time, the constant tinkling of a prayer bell and chants from the temple priests are heard. Most devotees stay at the temple, many of them volunteers who help with the various activities and tasks at the temple, they eat vegetarian meals and recite continuous chanting of prayer. Normally it will rain throughout the nine days of celebration.
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