Sunday, 2 October 2011

BORROWING TORTOISE BUNS FOR THE YEAR

Up until last week, I had always thought that I could buy the Tortoise buns from stalls in the temple for offerings to the 9 Emperor Gods.  Well, I guess this applies only in Ipoh.
The Tortoise buns at the Tow Boh Keong Temple in Ayer Tawar are not for sale.  As a matter of fact, I was told that the temple authorities buy the buns from Ipoh.  I was told that if I wanted a Tortoise buns I had to go and make a request to borrow the Tortoise Bun from the Deity by casting a Sheng Pui (two pieces of crescent shaped wood) to see if my request is granted.  Then only could I take the tortoise home.  Actually, there is symbolism behind the borrowing of the Tortoise which is also given the name "Kou Fook Sang" which means Forever Living Prosperity.  It is not only the Tortoise Bun that is being borrowed from the Deity but the Prosperity as well.  Next year, I need to return in cash what I had borrowed this year. I am not too sure how much cash to return as I forgot to ask.  Unique, isn't it?
Anyway, I decided not to borrow as I have a tendency to forget.  It wouldn't be too good if I did not carry out the returning bit.

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