Deity of Earth - Hok Tek Cin Sin
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Fu De Zheng Shen {Hok Kian = Hok Tek Cin Sin} is the Earth God, generally called as Tu Di Gong {Hok Kian – Tho Tek Kong}. He was one of the oldest Gods. Therefore, he was often called as Hou Tu.
People usually differentiated by means of its placement. If adored on altar complete with Bun Bo Phoa Koa (Civil and Military Guard) called Fu De Zheng Shen and had broader area of authority not only locally. Meanwhile, if adored below (on the ground) without guard called Tu Di Gong, sometimes accompanied by his wife Tu Di Po (his authority status is just locally).
In all locations, Hok Tek Cin Sin, was displayed in nearly similar form, namely an old man with grey hair and beard and smiling face. Usually Hok Tek Cin Sin was seen grasping a chunk of gold coin in his right hand.
Likewise Seng Hong Ya, Hok Tek Cin Sin has limited term of office. Position of Hok Tek Cin Sin was usually occupied by the people along their live did much goodness and provides a service to the society. After he died, the idol figure of people then was appointed as Hok Tek Cin Sin. Therefore every place has its own Hok Tek Cin Sin.
There was a version said that Hok Tek Cin Sin was Zhang Fu De {Hok Kian = Thio Hok Tek}, someone who has ever lived in Zhou Dynasty era (during Emperor of Zhou Wu Wang Era). Zhang Fu De was born in the year 1134 BC, since his childhood had indicated talent as a smart and kind-hearted person. He occupied the position of the Minister of Tax Collection Affairs of the kingdom. In running his duty, he always acted wisely, and didn’t burden the people, so that people loved him very much. He died at the age of 102 years. His position was replaced by Wei Chao, a greedy and cruel person. The people were suffering very much since Wei Chao didn’t know compassion in collecting taxes. Due unceasing misery, many people left their village, so that many irrigated rice field and un-irrigated rice field that left unattended. In their heart, they considerably longed a wise man like Thio Hok Tek that had died. Then they adored Thio Hok Tek as a place to pray for protection. From this name of Thio Hok Tek then emerged the title of Hok Tek Cin Sin who was considered as the Deity of Earth.
Worship to this God of Earth had very wide area. All over the country, could be said Tu Di Miao (Tu Di Gong Temple) has the biggest quantity both small and big temples. Small Tu Di Miao usually located in villages, in the brink of bunds and even in open courtyard. In the poorest isolated village, Tu Di Gong worship was performed in a broken water pot. That water pot was turned over and from the part of broken wall placed an Tu Di Gong statue, and was considered as a temple!. For that reason, there is a saying the society says: You Wu Zhu Da Tang, Mei Wu Zhu Po Gang, meaning that: If any, a dwelling in a big space, if not, house of broken water pot is Ok! Except special temple, in other temples, usually provided altar of adoration Tu Di Gong as complement.
The peasants considered Hok Tek Cin Sin as their Guardian Angel, the merchants considered had Holy Spirit that brought about the livelihood, and the public saw it as the of Safety Angel. Therefore the anniversary and worship to Hok Tek Cin Sin did many times in a year.
In the past, many merchants worshipped and pray for livelihood/ fortune & protections from Hok Tek Cin Sin in every Ce Jit & Cap Lak (on the 2nd and 16th day Imlek (Chinese New Year). This worship was called Zuo Ya {Hok Kian = Cuo Ge} or Ya Fu. Worship ritual on Cia Gwe Ce Ji {date 1, month 1 Chinese New year) called Tou Ya {Hok Kian = Thou Ge} (Early Year worship) date 2, month 2 Imlek called Ya Li Worship. Dated 16, month 12 Imlek called Wei Ya {Hok Kian= Be Ge}.
