Lorries unloading big boxes.
And the place teeming with young
lion dancers and acrobats
More huge boxes, and red colourful
killings and lions popping out
Here's the plan . . .
These are handmade killings and lions
commissioned by the Chinese Clans
and Associations
Tiam Gann is a ceremony to 'awaken' the Lion. However, the ceremony today is special as there were dozens of pairs of killings, bouncy creamy white lions, and a sprinkle of ebony lions.
I was invited to a Tiam Gann ceremony by Chinese Clans and Associations, and also to represent the State Chinese (Penang) Association along with the Secretary and Committee members to receive a pair of kyling, a gift from Dato' Hng
Datuk H'ng presented a pair of kyling to the State Chinese (Penang) Association, so the Secretary Bak Kooi is accompanied by the Vice-President and Committee members to witness the ceremony and receive the kyling. Besides, tiam gann is the Chinese intangible cultural heritage, and I wanted to record this event for posterity.
The many pairs of kyling were laid down in front
This pair of kyling belongs to us!
What a cutie!
The Chinese characters reads 'State Chinese (Penang) Association'
Firstly, a tray with Chinese brush and ink bowls and green lettuce is set out
Everyone is in a tizzy, drums and cymbals and the atmosphere quite giddy with excitement in the air.
"Now you see me, now you don't!"
"I can't see!"
But, I can see me!
Blindfolded, for a game of peek-a-boo?
No! Kyling is getting rrready for the tiam gann, a ceremony to one its 'eyes'.
We received instructions to dot the eyes, nose, ears, mouth, and tail with red ink. We had to undo the blindfold. Dot the right side first. Then the left side. That's easy. Then dot the nose. Easy peasy. Then the ears. Oh dear! We can't decide which is the ear, the pronounced bump at the side of the head or the funnel shaped thingy. Bak Kooi decided on the funnel shaped thing. Then the tail. Done!
That's one mix-up. We thought the strings here is to untie the 'mouth'. Turns out it is to help fasten the head to the frame. Oops!
We are to untie the knotted green piece of cloth on top to release the mouth for the tiam gann.
Now the kylings are 'awaken'
Following the tiam gann, a strange effect came over the kylings. They started lolling their heads around in a really adorable manner, like little cubs in a stupor. It actually seems funny and cute.
And they pranced around, and bit off the green lettuce laid out on the ground.
Next on the programme was the tiam gann for the lions
Close your eyes . . .
Shhh, stay still and quiet.
Each wears a nice pretty red bow on its crown
Dotting the eyes, nose, ears, and mouth with red ink
Now you can open your eyes!
(After tiam gann)
Ink on the eyes. It's awakened.
Interlude to admire the architecture
And pretty dusky pink building
Just like a furry, cuddly, big soft toy.
Sneaking up for a cuddle with this cutie!
"I am watching what you are doing to me!"
Inking the eyes to make them come 'alive'
and the mouth
What a morning!
Surrounded by about thirty fluffy furry prancing lions!
Afterwards, the dancers who manipulate the lions emerge
Ah, the sweet smell of money!
Angpow reward for the lion dancer
