MOST would have cursed away for being kept awake past midnight on the ninth day of Chinese New Year (CNY) with extra loud firecrackers going off into the wee hours.
This was where coffee lover dentist Joe (@iamdrjoe) issued a PSA (public service announcement) on X appealing for understanding given another round of fireworks was in the offing for yesterday (Feb 10) would be the ninth day of the Lunar Calendar when the Hokkien Chinese indulge in the Pai Ti Kong prayer ritual.
“Unlike Chap Goh Mei (literally, the 15th night which marks the final day of CNY), Pai Ti Kong is also recognised as the birthday of the Jade Emperor,” shared Joe.
Malam ini 12am mungkin akan ada another round of fireworks. Sebab esok adalah day-9 of the Lunar Calendar which means orang Hokkien akan menyambut perayaan Pai Ti Kong (tak sama dgn Chap Goh Mei). It’s also recognised as the birthday of the Jade Emperor.
Harap maklum.
— Jœ 🦷🪥🇲🇾 (@iamdrjoe) February 5, 2025
He went on to uncover the folklore behind the Pai Ti Kong (literally, offering prayers to the Heaven God) ritual by explaining that a village in the Fujian district was attacked during the Ming Dynasty.
This prompted the villagers to fled and hid in a sugar cane plantation while praying to the Jade Emperor for protection. Somehow the invaders could not trace the villagers and finally gave up and left the village on the ninth day.
The villagers believed the Jade Emperor had shielded them from harm and that’s why the Hokkien community blasts fireworks on the ninth day as a way to show their gratitude. Hence, the ninth day of CNY is also regarded as “the Hokkien New Year”.
However, not all netizens were impressed by fireworks going off in the wee hours. Many called for basic civility and common sense to prevail.
Some netizens who live in hotspots such as Kepong (predominantly Chinese suburb) asked when all the noises which had started since 8pm that night were going to stop given “the sky is still brightly illuminated at 1am”.
However, there were many who thought it was fine as this is a once-a-year celebration. Live and let live seemed to be a common refrain from these very understanding folk.
One kindly netizen showed amazing grace for putting up with a neighbour’s fireworks which went on till 4am! She said that the neighbour had apologised in advance and she was fine with it. After all, Eid al-Fitr 2025 is coming up next month.
No doubt those with young kids, sleeping disorders and pets will find this time particularly stressful.
Perhaps those celebrating could do well to be a bit more mindful and not stretch it too late.
At the same time, the many comments that reflect patience or resonate with a sense of festivities highlight that many Malaysians are an understanding and tolerant lot.
Perhaps with greater awareness and education of each community’s cultures, it wouldn’t be such a rude awakening and many more can perhaps stay up and even join in the fun. At the very least, they can even be better prepared with earbuds.
Although they may contribute to air and noise pollution, the fireworks certainly add to the sense that Malaysia is a culturally diverse country. That alone should be celebrated. – Feb 7, 2025
