As such, we decided to do it again this year! Reached the temple's vicinity at about 11.45pm and the devotees were all ready with their incenses.
*Everyone with their incenses high up in the air* - Uploaded on 27 Jan 2009
*Taken in front of the temple - best spot* - Uploaded on 27 Jan 2009There were barriers set up and we were standing outside the barrier. Little Arielle was sitting over XP's shoulder and standing on the barrier. Little Arielle lost balance and XP quickly grabbed hold of her. In the end, he kena a balugu as he hit himself against the railing of the barrier. Alamak, what a gift before CNY!
Anyway, situation within the barrier is very tense as everyone is hoping to place the first incense into the burner. It's their belief that the first person to do so will get to have all the luck for the year. It's due to this belief that people around the world are practising it. And it's also because of this that there are people who are stamped to death as everyone is rushing to be the first!
I had the experience of being within the barrier when I was still pa-toring with XP. Couldn't remember which year that was. We weren't there to be the first cos we know that it is not possible. We were quite far back behind. While waiting to enter the temple, you can get ashes over your head and face as everyone around you is holding incense in their hands. You would be sweating like mad cos it's very packed and squeezy. Worst still, when one of the person in charge announced that you can enter the temple (when the clock strike 12), everyone will start pushing you. XP and I were actually standing next to each other. But when the pushing starts, I could see him no more! Scary man! Luckily, I'm not stamped to death and still alive to blog this down! Anyway, that is indeed an experience!
*Everyone moving in slowly at the strike of 12 midnight* - Uploaded on 27 Jan 2009The scene where they can go in to pray at the strike of 12 - Uploaded on 27 Jan 2009
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