Two-Day Ritual to Pray for Children at the 100-Year-Old Tiger God Shrine Brings Wishes to Life

"Praying for Children" tradition The Tiger God Shrine at Sao Chingcha will hold the event for only two days this year, on 2-3 March 2026. Do not miss it.

The legend of the "Praying for Children" tradition at the Tiger God Shrine at Sao Chingcha: For those struggling to have children and unsuccessful elsewhere, the shrine has opened its annual sacred event that has been passed down for generations.

This tradition is called "Jiazi" in Teochew Chinese, meaning "eating the seed." It is an ancient belief that those who pray for children at the Tiger God Shrine on this day will be successful in having the child they wish for.

This year's Praying for Children event at the Tiger God Shrine will fall on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, open from 06:00 to 23:00.

Additionally, the shrine will open on Monday, 2 March 2026, from 06:00 to 17:00 for those wishing to offer thanks or to bring offerings home on the exact day.

Steps for praying for children

1. Prepare four oranges to offer (or buy them at the shrine).
2. Exchange your prepared oranges for two from the shrine to take home and eat with your spouse.
3. The highlight is the "brown sugar lion." It is believed to represent the Tiger God's attendants; eating it is said to help conceive more easily.

What is the brown sugar lion?

The story of eating the brown sugar lion (a lion-shaped sugar candy) is for auspiciousness.

The belief in eating the brown sugar lion to pray for children here is rooted in the Chinese view that the lion is a powerful auspicious creature that protects and guards. Eating a lion-shaped sugar candy blessed by the Tiger God Shrine is like receiving "blessed descendants who are strong and virtuous into the family."

Can one ask for wishes other than children?

Yes. Although the tradition focuses on praying for children, on the same day, many also seek blessings for business, work success, and other desires. The Tiger God is renowned for granting wishes related to career, commerce, authority, and warding off misfortune. Many come to resolve Zodiac Conflict Year (Pee Chong) issues or ask for safety from obstacles.
Visiting during the Hung Xiao festival is believed to bring positive energy and a smooth start to the year.

Why is the Tiger God Shrine the place to pray for children?

The "Tiger God" revered here is Tua Lao Yeh, the Taoist deity who conquers evil spirits and holds great heavenly power.

• He is known for decisiveness and authority, leading people to believe their wishes will be fulfilled quickly and clearly.
• According to legend, he oversees peace and dispels evil. People come to petition him for matters that are "difficult" or "blocked."
• Praying for children at the Tiger God Shrine carries the belief that the children born will be healthy, easy to raise, and possess the tiger's power.

However, the shrine's popularity comes from the Tiger God's powerful influence and the belief in the brown sugar lion ritual, making it a landmark for those fervently wishing for children.

Information:Official Tiger God Shrine at Sao Chingcha