Lunar 2nd Day of the 2nd Month ※ 01-03-2025
Tu Di Gong 土地公, also known as the “Earth God”, originating from ancient Chinese nature worship and ancestor veneration, gradually evolved into an important deity in Taoism and folk beliefs over time. The “Earth God” governs a piece of land and protects the peace within it; he is generally depicted as a kind old man, holding a gold ingot and a crutch, dressed in a long robe, symbolizing stability, prosperity, and harmony. The belief in the “Earth God” reflects people’s respect for land and nature, as well as their wishes for a stable and prosperous life, and favourable climate. In Singapore and Southeast Asia, many Chinese temples hold celebrations on the 2nd day of lunar 2nd month, attracting devotees to participate and pray for smooth careers and family harmony.
【Birthday of Tu Di Gong 土地公诞辰】
On the 2nd day of lunar 2nd month 农历二月初二 is considered the birthday of the “Earth God 土地公”. On this day, devotees will hold grand sacrificial ceremonies at temples or at home to express their gratitude and reverence to the “Earth God”. According to folk legends, this day is also when the “Earth God” inspects the human world and bestows blessings. Devotees also prepare lavish offerings, such as the Three Animals三牲 (chicken鸡, pig猪, fish鱼), fruits, pastries, and joss paper, and burn incense to pray for the “Earth God” to bless their homes with peace, their careers with success, and the weather with harmony. Additionally, devotees also offer steamed rice cakes to the deities. The steamed rice cakes symbolize “Prosperity 发达” and “Rising Fortune 升运,” and are one of the important offerings for the “Earth God’s” birthday, signifying prosperous in business and flourishing financial resources. On this day, Punggol Tu Di Gong Temple prepares red packets 财库红包 from the “Earth God’s” treasury for devotees to receive.
【Tou Ya 乙巳年头牙】
On the Lunar Year of 2025, 2nd day of Lunar 2nd month (01st March 2025), known as “TouYa 头牙” day and Tu Di Gong Birthday. It was believed that by worshiping Tu Di Gong and receiving Red Packets from his Treasury on this day, one would receive blessings for best of Wealth, Healthiness and Prosperity in the coming new year.
