• Chinese operas performed for the gods are organised throughout the year to thank the gods for their blessings in the past year.
• In Singapore, such operas are generally staged for two to three consecutive days.
• The opening performance is commonly known as “扮仙戏”, in which performers play the role of gods and bless worshippers in the audience. The repertoire includes “仙姬送子”, “八仙贺寿”, “三仙贺寿”, and “跳加官”.
• The Nine Emperor Gods Festival (“九皇爷诞”) is an important celebration in Chinese folk religion in Singapore, during which worshippers may adhere to a vegetarian diet for three or nine consecutive days (known as “九皇斋”). The celebrations begin on the last day of the eighth lunar month, and last until the evening of the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. During this period, some temples stage Chinese opera performances to honour the gods through the night.

The Nine Emperor Gods Festival falls on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. Chinese operas performed for the gods will be staged at Kallang Park from the first to the ninth day of the lunar month. (Lianhe Zaobao, 10/9/2020)

社戏 (Mainland China)