chinese solar festival- keng chek

today is march the 5th. according to the chinese solar calendar, today marks the start of the second month. it is also known as 'keng chek' in cantonese, or simply put: awakening of the insects. it is the third festival in the 24 heavenly breaths and earthly branches calendar. this calendar is also referred to as the peasant's calendar or the solar calendar, and coincides with our Gregorian calendar.

so, what makes this day so special? farmers back in ancient China believe that today, there will be a loud thunder clap from the skies, awakening all insects that went for hibernation in the winter. it also marks the start of work for the farmers. they are expected to till the soil and start germinating seeds to be planted.

however, today is also the day of the tiger. more specifically, the day the white tiger opens its mouth. often referred to as 'fu yeh'(cantonese) or 'hor yeah'(hokkien). this tiger(god) is worshipped in various temples and can normally be found on an altar near the floor. he is believed to be able to protect the individual, and also to help keep enemies at bay.

have you seen movie scenes in which chinese ladies will beat up a small piece of paper cut up in the shape of man, while cursing the paper. that paper is called 'small-person' (meaning enemy), and beating it will actually help keep the 'small person' at bay. well, today is the day to do so, as the tiger will help chase the 'small person' away, and at the same time prevent it from causing harm to other people. this is the reason why we sometimes see all the 'small-person' pasted on the walls close to the statue of the white tiger.

offerings to the white tiger is very unique also. instead of offering flowers and food (as to other deities), offerings to the white tiger must include one duck egg, and a fat slice of fresh lard (pig fat). the egg is offered near the feet of the tiger, while the slice of lard is wiped across it's mouth, and placed on it's head. it is believed that he appreciates eating such food (after all, tigers are carnivorous) and will protect the person that offers such things. quirky huh.

well, guess that's all for today. i really enjoy writing posts on chinese cultures and beliefs, and don't be surprised if i keep on writing posts like this. however, it won't be often, and i'll check the almanac for any other updates. haha

so long
ciao
je t'aime
ben

p.s. normal post tomorrow.. haha