When I was at the Tow Boh Keong Temple in Ayer Tawar yesterday to pay homage to the 9 Emperor Gods, I noticed that there were two plates of fine rice vermicelli which were fashioned into the shape of tortoises. According to legend, the 9 Emperor Gods were said to be the Chinese Version of Robin Hood who robbed from the rich to give to the poor. The Nine Emperor Gods who had not attained deity status yet during the Qing Dynasty, also carried out a similar act. As the story went, these warriors were cornered by soldiers at the beach with no escape route. Luckily for them a giant red turtle came to their rescue and ferried them to safety at Tow Boo Keong Island. So that is why the tortoise is given due respect during the festival.
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