chinese new year celebration in malaysia essay

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Celebration of Chinese New Year in Asian Countries

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Updated: 16 November, 2024

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Significance of chinese new year, duration and festivities, traditional greetings and customs, preparation and new clothes.

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SPM Essay Sample – Articles: Celebrations in Malaysia

Write your answer in 200 – 250 words in an appropriate style on this question paper or on a separate answer sheet of foolscap paper. 

– What do we celebrate in Malaysia? – Tell us more about one of the celebrations. – Why is celebration important in Malaysia?

Write us an article answering these questions. The best article will be published in the school magazine.

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Celebrations in Malaysia

Malaysia is a country that is rich in culture and tradition because of our diverse population made up of Malays, Chinese, Indians, and many other ethnic groups. This is reflected in the many festivals and celebrations that take place throughout the year. We celebrate our heritage through various festivals and celebrations including Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, Thaipusam and so on.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri

One of the most significant celebrations in Malaysia is Hari Raya Aidilfitri. It marks the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan during the Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. This festival is a time for forgiveness, family reunions, and giving thanks. It is customary for people to seek forgiveness from those they may have wronged during the previous year, and to forgive those who may have wronged them.

During Hari Raya, it is traditional to visit the houses of friends and family to share in the celebrations. People dress in traditional clothes and visit each other’s homes to exchange greetings and sweets. This is known as ‘open house’ where the host will serve traditional delicacies such as ketupat, lemang, and lontong and other various delicacies.

Chinese New Year

There are also many traditional festivals celebrated in Malaysia. One of the most significant is the Chinese New Year. This festival is celebrated by the Chinese community in Malaysia and marks the start of the lunar new year. it is a major occasion for families to come together, gift-giving, and enjoy delicious food.

Before the New Year, people thoroughly clean their homes to sweep away any ill-fortune and make way for good luck. They also decorate their homes with red lanterns, banners, and couplets, as red is believed to be a lucky color that can ward off evil spirits. On New Year’s Eve, families gather for a large feast, often featuring traditional foods such as dumplings, fish, and rice cakes.

During the Chinese New Year, people will spending time with immediate family and also visit relatives and friends. It is also traditional to give red envelopes filled with money, usually to children, as a symbol of good luck and prosperity in the coming year. Throughout the celebration, there are also a variety of performances and activities to take part in such as dragon dance, lion dance and temple fairs.

Thaipusam is a Hindu festival that is celebrated primarily by Tamil communities in Malaysia. It takes place in the Tamil month of Thai, which falls between January and February, and it is celebrates the birthday of Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war and victory. Thaipusam is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm, and marks the victory of the human spirit over physical and mental suffering.

Thaipusam is a colorful and vibrant event, featuring elaborate costumes, traditional music, and processions of devotees bearing kavadis as offerings to the deity. Kavadi is a large structure made of wood and steel that is decorated with colorful cloth and peacock feathers. Devotees carry these kavadis on their shoulders as part of a pilgrimage to the Batu Caves temple, located outside Kuala Lumpur. The pilgrimage is a physically demanding process and the kavadi bearers often pierce their skin with needles, hooks, or skewers as an act of self-mortification and devotion to Lord Murugan.

Why is celebration important

Celebrations are important for many reasons. They serve as a reminder of our cultural heritage, preserving and passing on traditional customs and values to future generations. The holiday during the celebrations also provide an opportunity for people to come together and share in a common experience. They bring communities together, fostering a sense of unity and belonging. Celebrations can also be a way to express joy and happiness, and to promote feelings of positivity and well-being.

In conclusion, celebrations in Malaysia play a vital role in bringing people together and fostering unity. The festival reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage and brings people together to celebrate and honor their traditions and customs. They serve as a reminder of our cultural heritage and the importance of preserving and passing on traditional customs and values. They also provide a glimpse into the different cultures that make up this vibrant and diverse country.

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Festival Season in Malaysia

Festival Season in Malaysia Malaysia is one of the countries in the world which have multi-racial. Although Malaysia has the most races of citizens in the universe, the Malaysia’s residents can live together peacefully. The ethnics of citizens in Malaysia are Malayan (Muslims), Chinese, Indian (Hindu), Iban, Kadazan and etc. Between, the three major ethnics are Malayan, Chinese and Indian in Malaysia. Because of the multi-racial of Malaysia, there are also many festive season in Malaysia. Malaysia also is the country which has the most festive season in the world.

The most interested things are all of the races in Malaysia can celebrate the festival together. The main festival celebrate by the Muslims is the Hari Raya Aidil Fitri. The Hari Raya Aidil Fitri are also known as Hari Raya Puasa. Hari Raya Puasa is celebrated on the first day of the Muslim month of Syawal. The month in Muslim calender before Hari Raya Puasa is the month of Ramadhan. In the month of Ramadhan, Muslims are not allowed to intake the foods and drinks from sunrise to sunset which is from 7am to 7pm.

When the first day of Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, the Malayans are go praying in mosque. After that, follow by visit the graves of family members and later parties in evening with relatives and friends. The Muslims also will serve the friends in the parties with delicacies. This tradition is known as the “open houses”. The other races also are welcome to the Muslims house celebrate the Hari Raya Puasa together to increase the racial relationships. Besides, other festivals of Malays are Awal Muharam, Hari Raya Haji etc.

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Chinese New Year is the main festival that celebrated by Chinese. Chinese New Year is the first festive season celebrated in every year after the 1st of January New Year. The Chinese New Year is celebrated 15 days which started from the first day of a year in Chinese Lunar calendar. Each year is denoted by one of the 12 animals as depicted by the Chinese Zodiac. Every Chinese house will be marked in red color of lights, the “luck” and “prosperity” mark. Before the first day of Chinese New Year, the Chinese will gathering and eat dinner “Tuan Yuan Fan” with their families.

In the first day of Chinese New Year, the Chinese also will have open house to let the relatives and friends visit. The friends of Chinese originated from other ethnics are also allowed to visit. An Ang Pow will be given by the elders to the youngsters who singles. In tradition, Chinese will play firecrackers, because of the dangerous of firecrackers, the firecrackers are prohibited. Other than Chinese New Year, the tradition festivals of Malaysia’s Chinese are Ching Ming, Wesak Day, Hungry Ghost Festival, The Moon Festival, Nine Emperor Gods Festivals and others.

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Exploring Culture and Tradition: The Lunar New Year in Malaysia

The Lunar New Year, known as Chinese New Year in Malaysia, is a vibrant celebration deeply rooted in rich cultural traditions and history. This festival is not just a time for joy and family gatherings but a profound reflection of cultural heritage and customs unique to the Malaysian Chinese community.

1. The History and Cultural Significance:

The Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is steeped in myths and legends, with the most famous being the story of Nian, a mythical beast. This celebration is an embodiment of cultural identity, symbolizing the hopes and aspirations for the new year.

2. Traditional Customs and Practices:

In Malaysia, the Lunar New Year is heralded with various customs like house cleaning to sweep away bad luck, hanging red decorations and couplets to bring good fortune, and donning new clothes, signifying a fresh start. The eve of the New Year is marked by a family reunion dinner, a significant event where families gather to enjoy a feast.

3. Traditional Foods:

The Malaysian Chinese New Year cuisine is a delightful mix of flavors and symbolism. ‘Yee Sang’ or Prosperity Toss is unique to Malaysia, symbolizing abundance and prosperity. Other traditional foods include ‘Bak Kwa’ (barbecued meat), ‘Nian Gao’ (sweet sticky rice cake), and various dumplings, each carrying specific meanings like wealth, happiness, and family unity.

4. Festive Activities and Celebrations:

Lion and dragon dances are a common sight during the New Year, believed to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits. Fireworks and firecrackers add to the festive atmosphere, lighting up the sky and bringing joy to the celebrations.

5. The Exchange of Red Packets:

A significant tradition is the giving of red packets or ‘ang pows’, usually containing money, symbolizing good luck and blessings from the elders to the younger generation.

This special feature on our website invites you to delve deeper into the Lunar New Year celebrations in Malaysia, understanding the nuances and unique aspects that make it an integral part of the Malaysian Chinese cultural tapestry. Join us in celebrating a festival that goes beyond mere festivities, embodying the spirit of community, continuity, and cultural pride.

Explore more about the Lunar New Year and its significance in Malaysia on our website. Let’s embrace and celebrate the rich cultural heritage together.

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Chinese New Year in Malaysia

What is there to do during Chinese New Year in Malaysia?

Chinese New Year is perhaps the biggest and most important annual festival for Chinese and the Chinese communities world wide. The event is celebrated on the first day of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. Each year is named after one of the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac. Prior to celebrations, homes are cleaned and decorated by members of the family. Debts are also settled while offerings and prayers are made. Also, plenty of food is prepared and new clothes are purchased. Like any other event, family members from out of town and far away will come home for the gathering.

If you’re interested in immersing yourself further in Chinese culture, there are various ways to learn Cantonese , such as taking classes, using language learning apps, finding language exchange partners, or even traveling to Cantonese-speaking regions for an immersive experience. With dedication and practice, you can develop proficiency in this vibrant language.

Also known by the name of Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival, the event is observed by the Chinese communities throughout the world, regardless of where they are. It is a cultural event and can a religious one too for the Buddhists, Confucians and Taoists who offer prayers. As the festival approaches, friends and relatives still exchange New Year greeting cards with each other despite the technology era. A family reunion dinner will be held on the eve of the New Year. During this time, bad language and any unpleasant or sensitive topic is strictly discouraged. It’s always best to be in one’s good behavior and only say good and auspicious things.

On Chinese New Year day, everyone is abuzz with various activities, including decorating with duilian (a pair of scrolls with poetry written), giving red packets or angpau or ang pow containing money, visiting friends and families, having family meals and gatherings, playing cards with small bets of money and watching dragon or lion dances. While each country may celebrate the New Year in an almost similar way, the concept of open house is normally practiced in Malaysia where the homes are open for friends and family to visit, regardless of race and religion. The country’s leaders organize open houses too on a larger scale, often held at a community hall to accommodate the crowds of locals and foreign visitors who come to greet their leaders and tuck into festive goodies. Just like any other festival in Malaysia, Chinese New Year is basically the time of the year to get together with family and friends.

Chap Goh Mei

Chinese New Year is celebrated for fifteen days with the main focus on the first three days. Chap Goh Mei , or the fifteenth day of Chinese New Year, is once again celebrated with much enthusiasm. Homes are again decked in brightly decorated lights and legend has it that young and unmarried women could throw tangerines into the sea if they wish to get a good husband. This tradition has undergone a modern twist where the females still toss Mandarin oranges into the sea but now they have written their telephone numbers on them. Men in boats will then row over and fish out the oranges! The singles carry out this practice good-naturedly and have fun with their friends on that final night of the New Year celebrations. Once Chap Goh Mei has passed, daily life resumes with each hoping to have a prosperous year ahead.

In Malaysia many people light fireworks during Chinese New Year. At Chinese New Years Eve, you can enjoy fireworks until the deepest hours of the night. Also at other days, people will light fireworks. The best chance to witness this is in the more Chinese areas in Kuala Lumpur (like Chinatown, Old Klang Road/Kuchai Lama and many areas in Petaling Jaya) and also in cities like Georgetown (at Penang Island), Ipoh and Malacca. Hokkien Chinese in Malaysia also light a lot a fireworks at the ninth day of Chinese New Year, in celebration of the birthday of the Jade Emperor.

Chinese New Year in Kuala Lumpur

When you are staying in Kuala Lumpur during Chinese New Year you should definitely visit the Petaling Street area in Chinatown. Here the Chinese temples are crowded with locals that come there to pray. You can witness lion dances and people lighting fireworks. All shopping malls in the city showcase their Chinese New Years theme. They are all decorated and during the first few days you will be able to witness lion dances within the stores. This is done to make sure the store is blessed and that business will be great that year. The first days of Chinese New Year are the only days of the year that you will witness many stores closed, as most of the Chinese business owners are visiting their relatives in their home towns or home countries.

Chinese New Year on Penang Island

Especially Penang is a great place to visit during Chinese New Year. There are many beautiful temples in Georgetown, and all are crowded with Chinese Malaysians that come there to pray (mostly for health and prosperity during the new year). One of the most important temples at Penang Island, Kek Lok Si Temple, is especially interesting to visit. At night millions of colorful lamps transform the whole area in a beautiful scene. Locals come every night to witness the lights being turned on, it is a wonderful sight.

Calendar with dates Chinese New Year

• Year of the Tiger – February 14, 2010
• Year of the Rabbit – February 3, 2011
• Year of the Dragon – January 23, 2012
• Year of the Snake – February 10, 2013
• Year of the Horse – January 31, 2014
• Year of the Goat – February 19, 2015
• Year of the Monkey – February 8, 2016
• Year of the Rooster – January 28, 2017
• Year of the Dog – February 16, 2018
• Year of the Pig – February 5, 2019
• Year of the Rat – January 25, 2020

Traveling in Malaysia during Chinese New Year

We find traveling through Malaysia during Chinese New Year very rewarding. We visited KL, Cameron Highlands, Penang, Kuching and Malacca once within the 15 days of CNY and we loved it. The atmosphere is very pleasant during these days. We loved all the fireworks and the amazing vibe at all the temples.

Tourists that visit Malaysia during CNY should not pass up a chance to experience it up and close. Penang was by far the best place to be, especially the Chulia Street area was very nice.

It is especially nice if you get invited to have dinner at a local Chinese Malaysian family. Families usually invite friends (or even strangers) over for dinner on the 2nd or 3rd day of Chinese New Year as the first day is always reserved for close family.

Extremely fun to witness and eat is Yee Sang; a special dish that is only served during Chinese New Year. Yee Sang contains many different vegetables together with other ingredients. Once ready people will toss the shredded bits into the air by only using their chop sticks. It is very important that it is all tossed really high into the air as it reflects the amount of good luck, health and prosperity they will receive.

Traveling during CNY can be quite exhausting, especially in the few days before the actual celebrations. Many people are traveling at the same time, often heading back to their home villages. Some use the public holiday to do some traveling their selves. Busses to Penang, Malacca or Ipoh will be packed, the same goes for flights to Penang. Traffic jams are common the days before CNY, but once it is CNY streets and highways are empty. Shops are closed during these days and people are celebrating at home or visiting temples.

Suggestions?

Got any good tips to share with us? Do you know of any great things to do during Chinese New Year in Malaysia? Let us know by leaving a reply below!

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Tagging: Chap Goh Mei , Chinese New Year , Chinese New Year Malaysia , Chinese New Year Sale , Chinese Newyear , CNY Malaysia , CNY Sale , Festivals Kuala Lumpur , Festivals Malaysia , Lunar New Year , Public Holiday , Public Holidays , Spring Festival

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10 comments on Chinese New Year in Malaysia

Yes, I love Chinese New Year too… ( http://bapang007.blogspot.com )

I’m in Kuala Lumpur now! I’m a bit outside the center, which day do you think would be best to visit Petaling Street?

3rd day or forth day shd b ok. The shops mostly open.

hi. i would be pleased if someone tell me when can i find the events schedule for Chinese new year celebrations.

Thank you. Best article we’ve found on Chinese New Year so far. Very informative and I like how you made reference to the different days carrying different significance.

help a lot,tomorrow I am going through a oral test, this really help a lot!!! THANKS 🙂

Happy Chinese New Year to May all go well with you. wishing you great happiness and prosperity.

Love, Antie

Experiencing these traditions, performances, and cultural rituals during the Chinese New Year in Malaysia offers an enriching and festive atmosphere that showcases the country’s vibrant cultural tapestry.

Experiencing these traditions, performances, and cultural rituals during the Chinese New Year in Malaysia offers an enriching and festive atmosphere that showcases the backpack battles country’s vibrant cultural tapestry.

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[…] Muchas tradiciones asociadas con CNYcada uno de los cuales influye en la forma en que los malasios compran para prepararse para la festividad.(2) A medida que comienza la cuenta regresiva, se limpian y decoran las casas, se liquidan las deudas, se hacen ofrendas y oraciones, se compra ropa nueva y se prepara mucha comida. Luego, la gente se reúne para reuniones familiares, espectáculos de fuegos artificiales, desfiles callejeros y toda una semana de celebraciones. […]

[…] Many traditions associated with CNY, every of which influences how Malaysians store in preparation for the vacation.(2) Because the countdown begins, houses are cleaned and embellished, money owed are settled, choices and prayers are made, new garments are bought, and loads of meals is ready. Then, folks come collectively for household gatherings, fireworks shows, road parades, and a complete week of celebrations. […]

[…] rich Asian culture of Kuala Lumpur makes this Malaysian city a natural place to visit for the Lunar New Year. Obviously, the best […]

[…] Many traditions associated with CNY, each of which influences how Malaysians shop in preparation for the holiday.(2) As the countdown begins, homes are cleaned and decorated, debts are settled, offerings and prayers are made, new clothes are purchased, and plenty of food is prepared. Then, people come together for family gatherings, fireworks displays, street parades, and a whole week of celebrations. […]

[…] (las fechas varían): Año Nuevo Chino. Es una fiesta nacional en Malasia, y en todo el país verás celebraciones. ¡Es una época […]

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CHINESE NEW YEAR TRADITIONS IN MALAYSIA

The way each country celebrates Chinese New Year has some unique celebrations and cultures of its own.

For the Chinese, the Chinese New Year is the traditional and most important festival. It is also a day for a family reunion, and New Year’s festivals generally don’t officially end until after the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. As for Malaysia, as a country with a high proportion of the Chinese population, the Chinese New Year is equally important to the Chinese.

The Chinese in Malaysia have perfectly inherited the cultural traditions of the Chinese. In Malaysia, the Chinese New Year has also become diversified. In addition to traditional festival customs, some are unique customs that have evolved after combining local customs. It will let you see a different Chinese New Year.

1. There must be CNY Cookies during Chinese New Year

2. Chinese New Year’s song

3. Lao Yu Sheng

4. Bai Tian Gong celebration

For many Chinese in Malaysia, the Chinese New Year often begins after Christmas. Are you already immersed in the feeling of the Chinese New Year?

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Malaysian Chinese Traditional Festival

农历新年 Lunar New Year

The Chinese Lunar New Year, also known as “Spring Festival”, means to welcome the Spring Festival of the New Year, one of the four traditional Chinese festivals. This festival is also an important family reunion festival in the life of the Chinese community.

Chinese New Year is also the most solemn traditional festival for Chinese. Therefore, Chinese New Year has many customs and types. At the same time, because the Chinese live in all corners of the world and spread all over the world, they are influenced by the environment and culture, and traditional customs will evolve due to the local regional colors, forming a unique regional custom.

(1) Chinese New Year’s custom of “eating” :

eating rice cakes, dumplings, glutinous rice cakes, glutinous rice balls, poached eggs, big meatballs, whole fish, fine wine, oranges, apples, peanuts, melon seeds, sweets, tea and delicacies;

(2) Chinese New Year “preparation” customs :

dusting, washing bedding, preparing New Year goods, pasting Spring Festival couplets, pasting New Year pictures (door god Zhongkui), pasting paper-cuts, pasting window grilles, pasting blessing characters;

(3) Chinese New Year “New Year” customs:

light candles, light fires, set off firecrackers, watch the New Year, give New Year’s money, pay New Year’s greetings, walk to relatives, give new year gifts, go to the ancestor’s grave, visit the flower market, make fire in the community, dance Zhong Kui and many other activities , The ultimate family happiness.

For thousands of years, people have made New Year celebrations extremely colorful. Every year, from the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month to the 30th day of the New Year, the folks call this time “Spring Day” or “Dust Sweeping Day”. Sweeping the dust before the Spring Festival is a traditional Chinese custom.

Then every family prepares the New Year’s goods. About 10 days before the festival, people are busy purchasing items. The New Year’s goods include chicken, duck and fish meat, tea wine sauce, north and south roasted seeds and nuts, and sugar bait fruits. For the gifts given when visiting friends, children should buy new clothes and hats, and prepare to wear them during the New Year.

Before the festival, the New Year’s message in yellow and red paper should be pasted on the door of the residence, that is, the Spring Festival couplets written in red paper. Brightly colored New Year pictures with auspicious meanings are posted in the room. The ingenious girls cut out beautiful window grilles and put them on the windows. In front of the door hang big red lanterns or paste the characters fortune and the god of wealth and door gods (Zhong Kui, Qin Qiong, Jingde), etc. Words can also be posted upside down, passers-by are blessed, that is, blessing has arrived, all these activities are to add enough festive atmosphere to the festival.

The enthusiasm during the New Year is not only permeated in every house, but also in the streets and alleys of various places. In some local markets, there are customs such as exorcism dancing bells, lion dancing, dragon lanterns, performing social fires, visiting the flower market, and visiting temple fairs.

During this period, the lanterns filled the city and the streets filled with tourists. The excitement was unprecedented. It was not until the fifteenth day of the first lunar month and the Lantern Festival before the Spring Festival really ended.

清明节 Ching Ming Festival

Ching Ming Festival is a festival that Malaysian Chinese attach great importance to. When the Qingming Festival approaches, people will sacrifice in different ways to remember the deceased ancestors. Everyone knows that the Ching Ming Festival is an important traditional festival for the Chinese, but many people are completely unclear about the origin of the Ching Ming Festival. Chinese people all over the world also spend the Ching Ming Festival in different ways. Today, let us take a look at where the Ching Ming Festival comes from, and how Chinese people all over the world celebrate the Ching Ming Festival.

Ching Ming Festival is one of China’s “four major festivals”: Spring Festival, Ching Ming Festival, Dragon Boat Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival. It can be seen that the importance of this festival in the minds of the Chinese is extremely high. Ching Ming Festival is also known as “Outing Qing Festival”, “Xingqing Festival” and “March Festival”. According to calculations based on the moon’s rotation, Qingming Festival usually falls on April 5th each year, around the first day of the third month of the lunar calendar. It is also the fifth of China’s 24 festivals or the 108th day after the winter solstice. In 1935, the government of the Republic of China set Qingming Festival on April 5th each year and designated it as a national holiday. On May 20, 2006, Qingming Festival was included in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage list.

Ching Ming Festival falls on the fifteenth day after the vernal equinox, which is also the fourth or fifth day of the kilometer. People will go to the cemetery to visit the tombs of their ancestors, pray for their deceased relatives, and offer various sacrifices to them. It is said that by burning a Qingming sacrifice in the cemetery, the deceased relative can obtain and use these things in another world.

Many people burn incense sticks, gold bars or paper money made from incense paper, clothes, food, and various paper crafts. As we all know, the younger generation sometimes even provides tablets, mobile phones, electronic products, skin care products and other health supplements.

端午节 Dragon Boat Festival

There are many sayings about the representatives of the Dragon Boat Festival, including Qu Yuan, Jie Zitui, Wu Zixu, Cao E, etc. Let’s take a look.

To commemorate Qu Yuan-this is the most popular saying. According to legend, after Qu Yuan committed suicide by throwing himself into the Miluo River, people rowed a boat on the river and threw the wrapped glutinous rice ball into the river to attract him to prevent his body from being eaten by fish in the river. Yu’er’s gaze. So this kind of activity has been preserved and passed down to this day.

To commemorate Jie Zitui-The saying that Jie Zitui commemorates the Spring and Autumn Period during the Dragon Boat Festival first appeared in Cai Yong’s piano work “Qin Cao” in the Eastern Han Dynasty.

Commemorating Wu Zixu-During the Warring States Period, when Wu and Yue were fighting, Wu Zixu had repeatedly advised the king of Wu Fucha, but the husband refused to listen. Fucha listened to the slander of the people around him, thinking that Wu Zixu secretly wanted to unite with Qi to fight against Wu, so he sent someone to send a sword to Wu Zixu, causing him to commit suicide. Before Wu Zixu committed suicide, he said to the doorman: “Please gouge out my eyes and place them on the east gate. I want to watch the kingdom of Wu perish.” Wu Wang Fucha was angry. On the fifth day of May, he ordered Wu Zixu’s body to be abandoned in the Qiantang River , Wu people pityed him, set up a temple for Wu Zixu on the river, named Xushan.

In memory of Cao E-Cao E in the Eastern Han Dynasty was a famous filial daughter in ancient China. Also on the fifth day of May of the second year of Han’an, Cao E’s father, Cao Xu, fell into the water and died during a sacrificial ceremony to welcome the “Wu Jun”. Fourteen-year-old Cao E searched for his father’s body along the river and did not find him for 17 days. Throwing to the river to die, five days later, holding his father’s body surfaced.

Celestial Phenomenon-There is a saying that the Dragon Boat Festival is derived from the celestial phenomenon worship and evolved from the dragon totem sacrificial offering in ancient times. In the Midsummer Dragon Boat Festival, the Canglong Qisu soars to the south of the sky, which is the day when the dragon flies to the sky. For example, the line in the “I Ching·Qian Gua” says: “Flying dragon is in the sky”, which is a symbol of auspiciousness. Therefore, the Dragon Boat Festival is considered to be a day when the Yang Qi is very strong, and unknown things will disappear.

The dragon boat race we see today was the earliest form of sacrificial activity used by the Wuyue tribe in Jiangsu and Zhejiang to worship the dragon ancestor. The locals often draw dragon graphics on the bow and tail of the ship as a totem or protector of their tribe.

Despite various claims, the Chinese in Malaysia still do not forget this traditional festival that has been passed down from their ancestors. The Dragon Boat Festival will be spent in various ways such as rice dumplings, dragon boat racing, ancestor worship and so on.

七夕节 Qixi Festival

The Qixi Festival, also known as Qiqiao Festival, Qiqiao Festival or Seven Sister’s Birthday, originated in China and is a traditional festival of Chinese regions and East Asian countries. It comes from the legend of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl and is celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. This festival is an important representative of Chinese festival culture and an important link in the annual festival cycle chain. Only with it can the festival culture be rich and colorful. If it is lost, the integrity of the festival culture will be lost, so it will not be forgotten by people. . In recent years, the Qixi Festival has been hailed as the “Eastern Valentine’s Day”, and its significance has become more and more important. The formation of the Qixi Festival is related to the folk story of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl. Its earliest origin may be in the Spring and Autumn Period. Tanabata at that time was a sacrifice to Altair and Vega. After the Han Dynasty, it began to be associated with the story of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, and it officially became a festival for women. Because ancient women wanted to follow the example of the Weaver Girl. Therefore, on the birthday of the Seventh Sister, they would offer sacrifices to the Seventh Sister, praying for a happy marriage and ingenuity, called “Qiao Qiao”. During the Song and Yuan Dynasties, the Qixi Qiqiao Festival became very grand, and there was a market specializing in selling Qiqiao accessories, called Qiqiao City.

The deity Jade Emperor (Ming Dynasty, 16 th century; anonymous)

Highlights of the 15 Days of Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year, also called the Spring Festival, falls on 10 February 2024. It is the most important among Chinese festivals and has a rich history spanning 3,800 years.

It is celebrated by about 2 billion people worldwide, 1.4 billion of them in China and the rest in the Chinese diaspora in Asia and the rest of the world. In terms of numbers, it ranks with Christmas which is also celebrated by about 2 billion people across the world.

It also involves the world’s largest migration of people: in 2023, approximately 226 million passengers travelled home in China to celebrate with their families. And Xinhua news agency predicts increased numbers across the board for 2024.

Typically, businesses will close for 15 days, and families gather for reunion dinners. But prior to the big day, spring cleaning is held to sweep away bad luck and families also practise shou ye ( 守夜 : watching the night) where children will stay up for the night to usher in longevity for their parents and elders.

Interesting facts about the most important of the 15 days of Chinese New Year.

First Day ( 初一 )

• Wear new clothes and shoes to signify a new beginning
• Offer tea to parents with new year wishes (for children staying with parents)
• For married couples staying outside, the first visit is to the parents to offer tea and new year greetings, and subsequently visits to elders of husband’s side
• Offerings are also made to gods and ancestral tablets at home
• Visits to temples to pay respect to the deities
• Fire crackers, dragon and lion dances to chase away the monster Nian (hence guo nian has a dual meaning: to celebrate the new year and to overcome the mythical monster Nian)
• No sweeping or cleaning of the premises or taking out the garbage as this would take away luck and fortune
• No washing of hair or clothes as it removes good fortune
• Other taboos to avoid on this day: parents refrain from scolding or punishing children as the resultant crying signifies sorrow and bad luck; unless in an emergency, visiting the doctor is a bad start to the year; breaking crockery is a bad omen which should quickly be countered by reciting the words Luodikaihua fuguironghua ( 落地开花 , 富贵荣华 (Fall flowering riches and glory); avoid negative topics during conversations; focus on visiting, feasting and enjoyment on this day, avoid hard work as it portends a hard life for the rest of the year.
• Some families may partake of a vegetarian lunch.

Second Day ( 初二 )

• Visiting parents and elders of the wife’s side of the family
• Also called kai nian , the beginning of the year: shops, businessmen and even families will offer sacrifices to the God of Fortune they welcomed on the Chinese New Year’s Eve
• The birthday of dogs, so dogs are given a treat.

Third Day ( 初三 )

• Visits to relatives and family friends ( bai nian ) begin on the third day and last till the fifteenth day
• To mark the legend that rats get married on this day, rice is left around as gifts so rats will not bother the family during the year.

Fourth Day ( 初四 )

• To honour the Kitchen God who would return to Heaven to report on the family to the Jade Emperor, nian gao (new year sticky cake) is offered to the Kitchen God whose speech is rendered difficult by the stickiness of the cake or who speaks sweet nothings about the family
• Taoists typically offer food and wine to the deities as wel l.

Fifth Day ( 初五 )

• The Fortune God is honoured for good fortune
• It is also the day of “breaking the fifth” or 破五 when taboos of the first four days can be broken. Cleaning and sweeping activities resume.
• Businesses resume after the holidays.

Sixth Day ( 初六 )

• Lucky day for those who turn 12 this year
• More businesses and restaurants resume business.

Seventh Day ( 初七 ; 人日 Renri)

• Renri or Human Day is considered to be the birthday of all human beings
• Renri is actually a festival on its own, but is now celebrated as part of Chinese New Year. Hence the foods might overlap: noodles represent longevity and raw fish to represent success
• According to mythology, the goddess Nuwa after creating the world, created the animals and humans on these days of the first month ( zhengyue ) of the new year:

First day: Chickens

Second day: Dogs

Third day: Pigs

Fourth day: Sheep

Fifth day: Cows

Sixth day: Horses

Seventh day: Mankind

• People avoid killing the animals on their respective birthdays and punishing prisoners on  Renri
• Foods are prepared like the seven vegetable soup ( 七菜羹 ), seven vegetable congee ( 七菜粥 ) and jidi congee ( 及第粥 ). Malaysian and Singaporean Chinese use the seven-coloured raw fish ( 七彩魚生 ) instead of the seven vegetable soup.

Eighth Day ( 初八 )

• Leftovers from Chinese New Year should all be consumed on this day
• Some release pets into the wild to respect nature.
• For Hokkien people, this day is significant as they make preparations for the birthday of the Jade Emperor ( 玉皇 Yu Huang )
• T he Jade Emperor is the celestial being that represents supreme power and authority in Chinese culture, religion and mythology
• T he Jade Emperor is also known by other names, including the Great Emperor of Jade ( 玉皇上帝 ,  Yu Huang  Shangdi or 玉皇大帝 ,  Yu Huang Dadi ) , and Heavenly Grandfather (Tiangong 天公 )
• Preparations to worship Tiangong ( 崇拜天宫 chongbai tiangong or pai ti kong in Hokkien) involve the whole family fasting, bathing and then gathering in the main hall before a table on which is placed the Eight Immortals and a magic lamp with an altar erected.

Ninth Day ( 初九 )

• Hokkien people celebrate this day as more important than the first day of Chinese New Year as they worship Tiangong to commemorate their experience in the 16 th century when they escaped marauding pirates in Fujian province and hid in the sugarcane field and prayed to the Jade Emperor who protected them for nine days
• This deliverance from danger happened on the 9 th day of Chinese New Year which was also the birthday of the Jade Emperor; since then they have made offerings to the Jade Emperor on the 9 th day of the first lunar month
• Since sugarcane saved them from danger, a pair of sugarcane stalks are tied on each side of the offering table or over the main doorway with joss paper ( kim chua in Hokkien) tied to the top of the stalks.

Tenth Day ( 初十 )

• No moving of any stone allowed as it is the birthday of the god of stone

Eleventh Day ( 初十一 )

• Sons-in-law are invited to their in-laws’ home
• In some places, the Dragon Dance is performed, usually accompanied by firecrackers.

Twelfth Day ( 初十二 )

• Preparations for the Lantern Festival begin.

Thirteenth Day ( 初十三 )

• On this day, it is a custom to place lights by the kitchen stove to symbolise lighting up to start the Lantern Festival.
• Some may opt for a day of vegetarian food.

Fourteenth Day ( 初十四 )

• Families buy lanterns in preparation for the Lantern Festival.

Fifteenth Day Chap Goh Mei ( 初十五 , 元宵节 Yuan Xiao Jie)

• The last day of the Lunar New Year is also known as  Chap Goh Mei  in Hokkien (literally 15 th night) or Lantern Festival (Yuan Xiao Jie), celebrated by lighting lanterns to mark the appearance of the first full moon of the year
• It is also the Chinese version of Valentine’s Day. Single ladies will write their names and contact details on oranges and toss them into the river hoping that a man would scoop them up and contact them
• Another custom is to guess  lantern riddles . Riddles will be written on lanterns with people surrounding the riddles, pulling the note off if they have the right answer
• A typical dish is also tang yuan , eaten with family to symbolise family unity and harmony.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki

https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/festivals/new-year-facts.htm

https://www.bing.com/search?q=birthday+of+mankind+in+chinese+new+year

https://www.travelchinaguide.com/essential/holidays/new-year/story.htm

The Chinese New Year celebration in Malaysia / Ong Sheau Fen

Ong, Sheau Fen (2023) The Chinese New Year celebration in Malaysia / Ong Sheau Fen. e-Lingua , 1. ISSN 2600-7134

Chinese New Year is also known as Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival. The celebration begins on Chinese New Year’s Eve where all family members gather for a reunion dinner. Traditionally, the Chinese New Year lasts for 15 days, from the first day of the first lunar month to the fifteenth. People can visit relatives and friends or go to temples to pray for a safe and auspicious year. Parents or elders will give ‘ang pau’ to unmarried younger family members. Homes, streets and shopping malls are beautifully decorated. There are other activities that the Malaysian Chinese do to celebrate Chinese New Year, which could not be found in China or other overseas Chinese settlements. These activities include: 1. Malaysia style new year biscuit Malaysia is a multiracial country, and Chinese New Year biscuits are also influenced by other traditions. For example, ‘Kuih Kapit’, a crispy wafer pastry, is a must-have during the celebration. Initially, it was a traditional biscuit among the Malays and Nyonyas. Later, it was subtly integrated into the Chinese families and became an essential food during the Chinese New Year.

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