Praying for better work relationships

For years, her working life has been smooth.

And that's how Madam Zernette Wong, 55, who works at a credit card company, hopes it will continue to be this year.

That's why she was among the 2,000 devotees at the Loyang Tua Pek Kong Temple yesterday.

This is the 14th year she has visited the famous temple in Changi.

Devotees believe that praying to the Tiger God on his birthday, which is today, helps herald better relationships with their colleagues at work, said Mr Jeffrey Tan, the event coordinator for the temple.

Yesterday also marked the last night of the Chinese New Year, known as Chap Goh Meh.

Some of the devotees prayed for better luck, while others wished for better health for themselves and their families.

Madam Wong was seen gluing coloured paper on to a board, which symbolised warding off negative influences in her life.

She then threw a small packet of beans at the altar "to get rid of obstacles in her life", before receiving a pineapple from the temple staff to signify a prosperous year ahead.

Another devotee at the temple yesterday was Madam Jenny Oon, who works at Changi Airport.

She has made trips to the temple during Chinese New Year without fail for 15 years.

"I've been coming here every year.

This year they gave me a commemorative coin for better wealth and luck," she said with a smile.

Other devotees were also seen lighting joss sticks.

Some 200 devotees were even lucky enough to receive hongbao from a man dressed as the God of Fortune.

One of them was Madam Xie Xiu Ying, 53, who prayed for a peaceful year and good health for her family.

On Wednesday, the temple also had an early Chap Goh Meh celebration with a getai and free food such as laksa and prawn noodles.

rloh@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on Mar 6, 2015.
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