When an Indian friend sent some information on the different activities throughout the 15-day Chinese New Year celebration, thought the list was more for Chinese in mainland China or elsewhere. Here in Malaysia, prior to Chinese New Year; all will give the house a proper spring cleaning, decorate the house and wear new clothes as well as give ang pows come the big day. Visiting of senior members of the family may be on the first day and the in-laws, the second. Not so sure about the need to invite son-in-law for dinner on day 11 then; and since the house is always open for visitors everyday; there is no such thing as an official rest day on the third. Food is abundant especially Chinese New Year cookies, nian gao and oranges but never have I seen dumplings or jiaozi being eaten. There is Yee Sang to be tossed on ren ri , a practice peculiar to Malaysia and maybe, Singapore. Yee Sang can be vegetarian but there is no special day where everyyone goes fully vegetarian. Haven't heard of people getting rid of their old clothes or anything else during the festive season too; and don't know anything about Millet Day or the God of stone. Not sure if food is offered to the Kitchen God on Day 4 and if it is, it's not as grand as the prayer to the Jade Emperor on Day 9. Even then, only the Hokkiens from South China pray on this day. And lastly, lanterns and riddles seem to be featured prominently only during the Mid-Autumn festival. Heard of the Lantern Festival only recently if the one organized by a Buddhist temple is counted as one.
Comments