Our Penang Folktale
The Mui Sin Folklore, are the earliest gods
worship by the Chinese. This was one of the oldest traditional folk tales which was
past down from my teachers when she guided us.
In Mui Sin Folklore, the Mui Sin are regarded as the
Spiritual Guardians of the Entrance. The main door of the house or domain is
called the entrance.
An altar for joss stick is usually placed beside the entrance. Reason
being, the ancestors when they are allowed in the house will have to greet the
mui sin first before entering the homes.
Mui Sin or Door Deity is not Satanic Cult neither it is part of a Mafia
society, nor in criminals activities. I don't think it processed any Super
Powers or is Angels or Demons. It is a traditional Chinese folk tales told in
respect to others when entering other people houses or any domains.
Mui Sin (In Hokkien) or The Door Gods (Men Shen )
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Like Janus in Greek myths, it is a Door god or deity. I would say in every society
or at least the Asian society, we just do not enter someone house without first knocking
at the door. Or did you yell " hello anyone home?". I am sure you did.
I can remember one time, a christens friend of mine shrugged off with unruly
remark when was told about this Mui Sin Folklore. He later told us, he woke
up with a crooked mouth.He was advised to go back to the person who told him the tale.
Strange but ..I dunno.
 Mui Sin
Folklore: Door Gods in Kau Long Yea Temple in Raja Uda Butterworth, Penang
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So it is not strange that the Chinese worship Mui Sin, cos we believed spiritual
beings are all around us. And not all spiritual being can be allowed to enter everyone's
house. It is the duty of the Mui Sin to"sieve thru" before allowing the spiritual beings to enter.
Who are allowed to enter our house?
Usually only Gods, Deities or ancestor spirits that the family worship are allowed
in the house. So even when any "hantu" (ghost or wandering spirit) follow you home,
they can not enter the house, unless of course if "Jee Oon"(spiritually low and any
kind of wandering spirits can enter your body, meaning taking shelter) is low, they are
in you. So you know what to do next....he he. I will not tell you cos not all believed this nonsense.
Mui Sin humble beginning
Accordingly in Mui Sin Folklore, Mui Sin were formerly imperial generals. They were
both assigned to protect their Emperor at that time. Even the Emperor at that time fears
ghosts and demons.
It was believed that the Emperor had nightmares whenever he sleeps during the night.
He would always be pursuit by ghosts or demons in his dream.
It could be his karma manifesting to him as he had killed numerous
people before he was enthroned as the Emperor. His siblings were also killed.
Whenever the two generals stood guard outside his room entrance, he would be able to
sleep soundly without any nightmares. It was believed that ghosts and demons dare not
enter the emperor’s room whenever the two generals are present.
As the two generals are mortals, the Emperor feared that the generals would suffer
from fatigue having to keep watch over him every night.
Hence, he ordered portraits of the imperial generals to be hung on each side of the door.
They wear warrior robes, have gentle dispositions and are usually shown as standing.
Qin Shu Bao holds a slender club, whereas Wei Chi Gong holds a mace. The portraits of
the Door Gods are usually changed just before Chinese New Year. Read how common households prays
to Mui Sin before any festivals or events.
Reminder to change your Mui Sin portraits
It seems, one might have to change the Mui Sin portraits or repaint them to show them
in brighter hues of color. Worn out portraits does not have the ability to keep away
evil spirits and to protect the house.
Kuan Yin - Mui Sin Tale
Another tale, dad would tell us is this, a funny one. Remember Kuan Yin Ma had two sisters? Well,
the Mui Sin Folklore goes that the two sister husbands were generals and when the King
repented to become a Buddhist, they did the same.
But because they are..ahhhh kind of Goh Peh See (very flirtatious), Kuan Yin Ma makes
them the Mui Sin...Ha ha..how is that. sweet for them...get to admire more women. right?
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