
Traditional New Year of Malaysia - Lunar New Year is the most important day for the Chinese community not only here but also all over the world. Because the number of Chinese people living in Malaysia is quite large, this has also become an indispensable and important part of the festival of the Malaysian people.
This annual event is not only a festival for the Chinese community, but also an occasion for all Malaysians to join in the joyful atmosphere, reflecting the harmony of a multi-ethnic country. This article will help you learn about the customs, rituals and significance of the Lunar New Year in Malaysia.
Lunar New Year is not only a festival for the Chinese community, but also an occasion for all Malaysians to join in the joyful atmosphere. Source: Bao Dan Tri
Preparations for the Lunar New Year begin weeks in advance. Families clean their homes to ward off bad luck and welcome prosperity in the new year. Homes are decorated with red decorations such as lanterns, couplets bearing auspicious wishes, and decorative items associated with the zodiac animal of the year. Kumquat trees, apricot blossoms, and flowers such as peach blossoms, orchids, and peonies are symbols of prosperity and good fortune.
In shopping malls and other public areas, the lunar new year atmosphere is filled with elaborate decorations, cultural performances, and promotions. The abundance of red and gold - symbols of luck and fortune - adds to the festive atmosphere.
The abundance of red and gold - symbols of luck and fortune - adds to the festive atmosphere. Source: PYS Travel
Ang Pow, or the red envelope tradition, is a special custom during the Lunar New Year, particularly cherished in countries with Chinese communities. These are red envelopes containing money, typically given to children and unmarried people with the wish to bring luck and fortune for the new year. The red color of the envelope symbolizes luck, prosperity, and happiness, while also warding off evil spirits and misfortune.
The amount of money inside the red envelope is often carefully selected,avoiding the number "4" because it sounds similar to the word "death" in Chinese, making it considered an unlucky number. Instead, amounts like "8" (prosperity) or "6" (smoothness, good fortune) are preferred. Lucky money is not only a material gift but also a way to show care, affection and good wishes to the recipient throughout the new year.
Ang Pow, or the red envelope tradition, is a special custom during the Lunar New Year. Source: Wonderwall.sg
Mandarins are a special symbol during the Lunar New Year in Malaysia, symbolizing luck, fortune and prosperity. In Chinese, the word "mandarin" (橘, *jú*) sounds similar to the word "good luck" (吉, *jí*), meaning luck. Therefore, mandarins are often chosen as gifts during Tet, symbolizing blessings and good things in the new year.
Mandarins are often displayed on the family altar or in fruit trays, not only to pray for fortune but also to show gratitude and respect to ancestors. When visiting relatives and friends, bringing a pair of mandarins is a way to express wishes for wealth and prosperity, because an even number symbolizes harmony and fullness.
Tangerines are not only sweet and refreshing but also symbolize good luck and prosperity. Source: Ban tin An Giang
The New Year’s Eve dinner is an important reunion occasion during the Lunar New Year in Malaysia, taking place on the 30th day of the Lunar New Year with a warm and meaningful atmosphere. The feast usually includes Tet hotpot, Yee Sang (raw fish salad), dishes such as roast chicken, roast duck, steamed fish, and desserts such as Nian Gao (sugar cake) and cookies, each dish carrying a message of luck and prosperity. This is not just a meal, but also a time for families to gather, share stories, pay tribute to ancestors and look forward to a peaceful new year together.
For those living in urban areas, the reunion dinner also serves as a reason to return to their hometowns during the balik kampung ("returning to the village") journey, creating a bustling scene on the highways in the days leading up to the new year.
The New Year’s Eve dinner is an important reunion occasion during the Lunar New Year in Malaysia. Source: Bao Thanh Nien
The first day of Lunar New Year is the most important time in Malaysia, marking the reunion, gathering and starting a new year with good things. In the morning, families perform ancestral worship ceremonies to remember their ancestors and pray for peace, then exchange greetings and receive lucky money from the elderly.
This is also the day to visit relatives, friends, neighbors, bring gifts such as fruit baskets, candies, or lucky money to wish for good luck. In addition, many people participate in cultural activities such as watching lion dances, dragon dances, or going to temples to pray for good luck. Chinatowns in Kuala Lumpur become vibrant with traditional art performances. The first day of Lunar New Year not only marks the beginning of a new year but also an occasion to express gratitude, share love and hope for the future.
People often wear new clothes, preferably in red, which symbolizes good luck and a fresh start. Source: CellphoneS
Fireworks are an integral part of the Lunar New Year celebrations in Malaysia. At the moment of New Year’s Eve, brilliant fireworks displays will light up the sky, bringing a joyful atmosphere and welcoming the new year. According to traditional beliefs, fireworks not only create a beautiful scene but also have a profound meaning, symbolizing luck, prosperity and hope for a good new year. However, it should be noted that the organization and use of fireworks may be governed by specific local regulations or laws, to ensure public safety and order. Therefore, these activities are often carefully planned to both preserve cultural values and comply with the law.
Brilliant fireworks displays will light up the sky, bringing a joyful atmosphere. Source: Du lich Malaysia
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Lunar New Year in Malaysia is a special festival with many traditional dishes with good meanings, expressing the wish for a prosperous and happy new year. Yee Sang (raw fish salad) is an indispensable dish, symbolizing prosperity; people toss the ingredients high and wish each other good luck. Nian Gao (sugar cake) is made from glutinous rice and sugar, symbolizing reunion, while Tet hotpot with seafood, meat and green vegetables is a symbol of warmth and reunion. In addition, pineapple cakes, rolled cinnamon cakes and fruits such as oranges, tangerines and grapefruits are often used to wish for wealth and prosperity. Tet is not only an occasion to enjoy food but also a time to bond with family and share hopes for a good new year.
Lunar New Year in Malaysia is incomplete without the dishes that symbolize luck and prosperity. Source: Vivu5sao
An indispensable part of the Lunar New Year are lion and dragon dances. These traditional performances, accompanied by the sounds of drums, cymbals and gongs, are believed to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits. In shopping malls, commercial areas and residential areas, lion dances often attract viewers with their creativity and spectacular performances. The energetic movements of the dancers, combined with vibrant costumes and dramatic music, create an exciting and joyful atmosphere, making these performances a central part of the festive celebrations.
An indispensable part of the Lunar New Year are lion and dragon dances. Source: Bao Dai Doan Ket
The Lunar New Year lasts for 15 days, and the final day is known as Chap Goh Mei, often referred to as the "Lantern Festival". Chap Goh Mei, known as the Chinese Valentine's Day in Malaysia, is celebrated in the biggest way in Penang. During this time, rituals and offerings are performed to mark the end of the celebrations. One of the highlights of Chap Goh Mei is the tradition of single women writing their wishes on mandarins and throwing them into the water to pray for true love. Parades and light displays take place everywhere, creating a vibrant and joyful atmosphere.
Chap Goh Mei, known as the Chinese Valentine's Day in Malaysia. Source: Kyluc.vn
The Lunar New Year in Malaysia is a harmonious blend of cultural traditions and the unique characteristics of a multicultural nation. It is not only an occasion for the Chinese community to preserve their heritage but also an opportunity for all Malaysians to share joy and unity. The spirit of harmony, hospitality, and distinctive customs has made the Lunar New Year in Malaysia a special annual event, bringing happiness and hope to everyone. Let’s come together to experience and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Lunar New Year in Malaysia, where joy knows no boundaries and unity spreads everywhere!
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