Current Events
by Amy Austin
Malaysia
The Chinese New Year Tradition: The Year of the Ox
...for Class Afloat News, February 17, 1997
Malaysia consists of thirteen federated states. Eleven are situated on Asia’s southernmost peninsula and off shore islands and two are located on the island of Borneo. Over the centuries, Malaysia has become home to many different peoples from its surrounding neighbors. Cities like that of Penang, located on the northwestern coast of the Peninsula Malaysia, boast of an unique culture created from the mixture of its various inhabitants: Malays, Chinese, and Indians.
When Penang became the first British Far East trading port in 1786, the land was uninhabited and so thick with vegetation, that it was only after Frances Light shot a cannon full of gold coins into the jungle men would agree to clear it.
Two hundred years later, the longest bridge in Asia connects Penang Island to the mainland. Many thousands cross the bridge every year to enjoy Penang’s outstanding beaches and exotic sites, making it one of the most popular destinations in the region today.
Due to its large Chinese population, it has been said Penang resembles China almost as much as China itself. Therefore, it is easy to see why Penang is especially well known for its festivities during the Chinese New Year (February 7, 1997).
The planning for the important celebration is so time consuming that preparations begin weeks ahead of time as shoppers invade stores to purchase traditional necessities, such as, oranges (symbols of good luck), kumquat trees, and flowers. Following tradition, all households see that their debts are paid before the beginning of the New Year. Also every home is spotlessly cleaned as the Chinese New Year’s Eve is a time to remember and rejoice family relationships over a special reunion dinner.
The new year is welcomed with fireworks and the Chingay parade, which hosts stilt walkers, lion and dragon dances, acrobats, and decorated floats.
One popular Chinese New Year tradition shows how the different cultures in Malaysia have influenced each other. Young Chinese family members receive red packets of good luck money (ang pau); in recent times it has become a Muslim tradition to give green packets of money during celebration times.