Cannon Street, George Town.
The name Cannon Street had its origin from the cannons that were fired during the Penang Riots in 1867. The riot was the result of a secret society dispute when the alliance of Tua Pek Kong Hoey (Kean Teik Tong) and the Red Flag Gang fought against the alliance of the Ghee Hin Kongsi and the White Flag Gang for ten days in George Town. It was said that some of the houses still have lasting damages as a result from the riot.
A view of Cannon Street decorated with red lanterns during Chinese New Year, with the minaret of Acheen Street Mosque standing at the background in George Town.
Prayers at the Chew Jetty’s Temple during the Jade Emperor celebration (on the 9th day of Chinese lunar new year). Every year, the Weld Quay area is usually host to the biggest celebration for the Jade Emperor in Penang.
The Jade Emperor Temple at Ayer Itam.
Today marks the 9th day of Chinese lunar new year, which is also a Chinese Hokkien celebration for giving thanks and gratitude to the Jade Emperor.
Legend has it that once upon a time, the Chinese Hokkien people from the Fujian province in China managed to hide (with the blessing of the Jade Emperor) from their enemies in a sugarcane farm during Chinese New Year for nine consecutive days. Henceforth, on every 9th day of the Chinese lunar new year, the Hokkiens mark the occasion by having a big celebration.
