Cover Up!

A Taoist Temple in Kuching, Malaysia...

Taoism, I presume is more a Chinese religion than anything else. While many Chinese profess to be Buddhists, many probably could be called pseudo Buddhists since many unashamedly practised rites that could be found in both religions. In Malaysia for example, many Chinese throng to Buddhist temples during Vesak Day and on other occasions, they could very freely go to the many Taoist temples which have been erected for the various deities from the Chinese pantheons of Gods. I read in the Star paper today members of the Tao Tin Hu Keng Association in Pasir Mas, Kelantan has organised an outdoor community concert to celebrate the birthday of the Taoist Gods. It is a common practice that concerts are organised on such days but in Malaysia a permit must be obtained first from the local authoritites. I remember those days when Chinese Opera, most notably Hokkien Operas were performed to huge crowds. Everyone is free to come and watch but since most of the time seats are not provided, one has to either to stand or bring his own chair.Since the advent of films and videos I suppose and the inability of the younger generation to appreciate the operas, the crowd has been dwindling.These days, to woo the crowd, traditional operas have given way to modern variety-type live shows where it is uncommon to see sexily dressed female singers and dancers belting out the latest pop songs. The concert in Pasir Mas was of this type and since it had attracted some Muslims there, the organisers were told to put a curtain to ensure that the concert was just watched by only non-Muslims. That I suppose, is a perfect cover-up!

Comments

Liudmila said…
I wanted to see the chinese opera, if we speak about the same thing. That performances... 8-((( I can't explain...
footiam said…
Chinese opera should be different from Western Opera. Some Chinese who are educated in English school prefer Western opera. The younger generation don't seem to understand or like the opera and the stories are normally classic Chinese stories like Madam White Snake, Butterfly Lovers to name a few. Will feature posts on Chinese opera for you a few posts from now!
footiam said…
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footiam said…
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Liudmila said…
Thank you.

I think those are holes in education, nothing else. To love and understand something we have to know the question. My parents did everything they could to send me in a musik school that was like a university/conservatory. So, I like classic music, I know it in general sense. But if I had not this education, I think I would not love it.
footiam said…
Some of the education start at home.