• The term is derived from the Malay word Dato (or Datuk), which refers to a community leader or tribal chief, and the Hakka name for the Earth Deity, “伯公” (Pek Kong). With the interaction of cultures in Southeast Asia, locals started to address the Earth Deity as “Dato 伯公”. As time passed and usage of the term increased, it was shortened to “To 伯公”, which eventually became the term “大伯公” that is now widely used.ƒ
• Due to differences in local cultures, the characteristics of Tua Pek Kong vary between different areas in the region. The Tua Pek Kong faith can also be interpreted as a form of ancestor worship by local Chinese. Hence, Tua Pek Kong might be a reference to certain figures in local Chinese history, rather than a specific individual.
• Statues of Tua Pek Kong typically portray the deity with a walking stick in the right hand and a gold ingot in the other. Hence, believers also worship Tua Pek Kong as the Deity of Fortune.
• Tua Pek Kong temples are generally known in Mandarin as “福德祠”.

Many whipped out their cameras to capture the rare sight of a python hanging above the Tua Pek Kong statue, as they believed it was a good omen that would bring them good fortune. (Lianhe Zaobao, 29/4/2018)

本头公 (Malaysia, Thailand)

• The Kusu Island Tua Pek Kong Temple (also known as Fu Shan Gong) is one of the more unique Tua Pek Kong temples in Singapore. The temple has compiled five different legends regarding the origins of the temple and the identity of Tua Pek Kong. In one of the legends, the Tua Pek Kong worshipped in the temple was a Chinese man who had come to the island to fast and meditate.
• The Fuk Tak Chi Temple located at Telok Ayer Street has been around since 1824. This Tua Pek Kong temple has since been converted into the Fuk Tak Chi Museum.