TEO CHEW BIG DRUMS
The Teo Chew Big Drums (潮州大锣鼓) are integral to the Nine Emperor Gods Festival at Leong Nam Temple, contributing to its spiritual intensity and cultural grandeur.
At Leong Nam Temple, the Teo Chew Big Drums are far more than musical accompaniment, they are a spiritual bridge, cultural emblem, and communal heartbeat during the Nine Emperor Gods Festival.
Video of me participating in Teo Chew Big Drums instruments in Leong Nam Temple during Nine Emperor God Festival 2024
Common Misconception
A prevalent misconception is that Teo Chew Big Drums are solely funeral music. This arises because they are prominently used in funeral processions, where their loud, resonant beats serve to ward off malevolent spirits and accompany rituals.
However, this is only one context of their use. The drums are central to festive events like the Lunar New Year, Hungry Ghost Festival, and temple celebrations, where they symbolize joy and communal harmony. They provide rhythmic accompaniment in traditional Teochew opera, enhancing dramatic performances with their powerful sounds.
Video of funeral taking place with Teochew Big Drum used in Singapore
Why the misconception?
Their dramatic presence in funeral processions leaves a strong impression, overshadowing other uses.
Younger generations or outsiders may encounter the drums primarily at funerals, unaware of their broader cultural roles.
What is Nine Emperor God Festival about?
The Nine Emperor Gods Festival (九皇爷诞 Jiǔ Huáng Yé Dàn) is a vibrant Taoist celebration observed primarily by Chinese communities in Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Held over nine days in the ninth lunar month (usually September/October), the festival honors the Nine Emperor Gods (九皇大帝), celestial deities associated with health, longevity, prosperity, and protection from calamity.
The Nine Emperor Gods are believed to be manifestations of the Nine Stars of the Big Dipper constellation, governed by Doumu (斗母, the Mother of the Big Dipper), a Taoist deity. They symbolize cosmic power and divine authority over human fate.
What takes place during Nine Emperor God Festival during ceremony
Vegetarian Diet: Devotees abstain from meat and alcohol to purify themselves.
Temple Processions and Rituals: Welcoming ceremony with Teo Chew Big Drums background music
Water Send-off ceremony
Teochew Big Drum Instrumental Set
Main Big Drum
The Grand Teochew Drum Music are emphasis with a lot of gongs (shown on the floor) playing the same beat together symbolizing a "Grand Performance" and is the backbone of the music which makes it complete
Small gong contributing rhythm to the performance
A large gong, it is a lead instrument
Supporting instruments such as the handheld mini brass and the suona are accompanied with the whole set of Teochew Big Drums
