By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, March 11: A ‘fire dragon’ statue will be built at Padungan to receive the Dragon year in 2024.
This was unveiled by Kuching South City Hall (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng when officiating the Fire Dragon eye-dotting ceremony at Hong Sang Si Temple here last night (March 10) with Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, who is also Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister; Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) commissioner Sih Hua Tong; and other dignitaries.
He said the eye-dotting of the Fire Dragon was in preparation for the procession of the main deity of Hong Sang Si Temple, Seng Ong Kong, whose birthday will fall on Monday (March 13).
“This procession is one of the biggest in Sarawak, and the Fire Dragon will join the procession in celebration of Seng Ong Kong’s birthday on Monday,” Wee told DayakDaily.
He said the Fire Dragon was built by a local master who based it on the various cultural elements and practices from 4,720 years of Chinese civilisation.
The Fire Dragon, which was built within 22 days, is a manifestation of the principles of Yin Yang’s five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water), 24 Seasons and the Ursa Major Constellation (also known as the Great Bear or the Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper or just the Big Dipper).
“As the Fire Dragon is lengthened by seven feet each year, this year, the Fire Dragon has reached 181 feet. And this is to say, it will be 188 feet long next year,” said Wee. — DayakDaily
