Confusius Time

Sometime in mid September 08, it was my first time experiencing the joy of celebrating the Conficius God Birthday. To me, it was like any God's birthday. However, it didn't occur that it was a day for parents to offer and pray to this Wisdom of God for their children future. I was told that every year it was a hit affair for parents to register their children name at the temple and a prayer will held for the children to excel and succeed in their studies and undertakings. In fact, when I was there the temple volunteers had started taking in registration for 2009! Wow...I guess I will join the crowd once Zach starts schooling =p

So, this is what I'm really amazed and something new to me. Registration will start as early as a year or a month before the God's birthday. So, what's in the goodie bag when you register. Here's what you get and this will be offered to Confusius God. Besides this, you will receive a nice little red school bag and calendar to bring home. I was so fascinated with this goodie pack that I forgot to take a photo of the bag.

You must be wondering what's the meaning behind all these items. Well, I'm too like you as curious as a cat. So, this is what I was told.

• Spring onion = Chong = Chong Ming=Smart/Clever


• Beancurd = Tau Kua = Kua = Government Official


• Longevity Bun = Have a longevity


• Layered sweet with different color = bu bu gau sen = Every step to succeed

Interesting la.... and this will be layed on a stretch of tables with the names of the children written on the styrofoam box.

Rows and rows of tea lights

Tea lights candle lighting up bearing the childname together with the registration number for prayers.

See how crowded it was. On the day itself, volunteers giving out snacks like chee cheong fun, yam cakes, ice cream, drinks and cotton candy. The foods are not too bad or rather we were hungry and thirsty.