This is the most important festival for the Chinese community. During this time it is customary to see almost all Chinese businesses close for several days. The festival begins with a reunion dinner on new year’s eve, that is traditionally attended by every member of the family. The Lunar New Year is the time when spirits are appeased and offerings are made to the gods. During the joyous occasion, no member of a Chinese household is allowed to clean the house as spring cleaning is done during the last seven days of the old year. Brooms are stored away as the Chinese believe that sweeping the floor during the new year would mean sweeping away the good luck from the household.
The Chinese New Year celebration lasts for 15 days beginning from the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar. A visit to the temple to seek the blessings of the God of Prosperity and giving of ‘ang pow’ or red packets containing money by parents to their children or among relatives and well wishers are also the order of the day. This practice coupled with the giving away of mandarin oranges is intended as a symbol of prosperity and good luck for the recipients. Another feature is a traditional lion dance.
Open houses are also held during this happy celebration. If you are in Kuala Lumpur at this time drop in at two major open houses held by two main political Chinese parties in Malaysia – the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) and Parti Gerakan. You will get the chance to meet most of Malaysias’s top Chinese politicians and leaders.
And remember red is the colour of the day. Red is most auspicious because it symbolises luck and prosperity. Don’t wear black because it is usually associated with mourning.
This has been transferred from the Expat KL
This has been edited for ExpatGomalaysia.com
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