• In Chinese mythology and literature, the Jade Emperor is regarded as the supreme ruler of heaven, controlling the life and death of all living things.
• According to folklore, the coastal areas of Fujian were once plundered by pirates, and the people survived by hiding in sugarcane plantations. As this took place on the ninth day of the first lunar month, the Jade Emperor’s birthday, locals subsequently used sugarcane to worship the Jade Emperor on that day every year to express their gratitude.
• In the 19th century, Chinese migrants who travelled south from the Fujian coastal areas to Singapore brought with them their traditional culture and customs, including their faith in and rituals for worshipping the Jade Emperor.
• Till today, many Hokkiens in Singapore continue to attach great importance to the Jade Emperor worship ceremony on the ninth day of the first lunar month, with many temples holding large-scale worship activities.

The Jade Emperor’s birthday falls on the ninth day of the first lunar month. For the Hokkiens, the celebration of the Jade Emperor’s birthday is even more significant than Lunar New Year. (Lianhe Zaobao, 23/2/2018)

• The Jade Emperor worship ceremony can be held in a temple or at home. Hokkiens also pray to the Jade Emperor in the lead-up to their wedding day.