The rite of “receiving the gods” – A special procession would walk from the venue where the alms gathering is held to the neighbourhood temples to “invite” the deities over. The incense burners, which symbolise the deities in honour, would be taken reverently to the venue. The person leading the procession would sprinkle water perfumed with flowers to “cleanse the way”.
Temporary structures built from bamboo scaffoldings are a unique feature of the Yu Lan Festival venues. They include the altar for deities, the altar for the Ghost King, the altar for prayer service for tag-on names of the dead, and the theatre stage.
When performing the stage-warming playlet, The Heavenly Maiden Sending You a Son, the actor playing Dong Yong and the Heavenly Maiden would walk down from the stage, go into the altar of the deities with three figurines representing the “Three Princes” (mythical figures - Jinja, Muja and Naja), and present one of them to a representative of the organiser.
Sweetmeat Tray (Chiu Chow Kung Wo Tong)A sweetmeat tray containing Chiu Chow sweet cakes and candy bars is among the altar food offered to the deities1970s
Sweetmeat Tray (Chiu Chow Kung Wo Tong)A sweetmeat tray containing Chiu Chow sweet cakes and candy bars is among the altar food offered to the deities1970s
