Celebration of Chinese New Year in Asian Countries

Malaysia's Multicultural Harmony

Malaysia is a country with diverse ethnicities, including Chinese, Malay, and Indian communities. People from different races unite to work or engage in activities together, fostering a spirit of cooperation and improving their relationships. The country celebrates various festivals, such as Hari Deepavali, Hari Raya, and Chinese New Year, each representing the rich traditions of the respective communities.

Celebration of Chinese New Year in Asian Countries

Chinese New Year is a significant festival celebrated across Asia. Traditionally, it is observed in the first month of the Chinese Lunar calendar, marking the beginning of a new year. This centuries-old custom is not only vital in China but also celebrated in other Asian countries like Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore. The festival is imbued with cultural values and ceremonies. For instance, people wear red on the first day of the New Year, decorate their homes with red paper, and give children lucky money in red envelopes to ensure a peaceful year. Red is considered a color that wards off bad luck, which is why it is prominently featured during the festivities.

The festival spans approximately 15 days in countries celebrating Chinese New Year. Celebrations include lion dances, dragon dances, and fireworks. The festival concludes with lantern activities on the 15th day of the first month of the calendar, although in Malaysia, the Chinese community also celebrates “Bai Tian Gong,” known to the Hokkien people as “praying to the heaven god.” The Chinese Lunar Calendar, which is about a month behind the Gregorian calendar, consists of 12 zodiac signs, each representing a year. In 2020, for example, the zodiac sign was the rat.

During Chinese New Year, people exchange wishes for wealth, luck, and happiness. Traditional customs dictate that certain activities, like sweeping the floor, should be avoided on the first day, as it is believed to sweep away good fortune. Similarly, using unlucky words is discouraged to prevent an unlucky year. People consume “propitious foods” such as fish, symbolizing good luck, wealth, and health. Dumplings, mandarin oranges, and dried fruits are also eaten for their auspicious meanings. These foods are typically prepared a week before the New Year, as using knives or fire is avoided on New Year's Day. A significant dish is “Yu Sheng,” often enjoyed on the seventh day of the New Year (Wang, 2019).

In preparation for Chinese New Year, people buy new red clothing, symbolizing luck and a fresh start. Lion and dragon dances are common sights around residential areas and shopping malls, as some households or malls invite dance troupes to perform. Additionally, fireworks are set off at night, believed to bring luck and destiny, although their use is restricted in many areas (Chan, 2020).

References

Chan, L. (2020). The cultural significance of fireworks during Chinese New Year. Asian Traditions Journal, 12(4), 45-59.

Wang, T. (2019). Food symbolism in Chinese New Year celebrations. Journal of Asian Cultural Studies, 7(3), 67-82.