Capturing Traditions... } 31st January '06
[
| Chinese
New Year (known also as Lunar New Year and Spring Festival) is celebrated
on the first day of the first month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar.
It is the most important holiday for the Chinese, Vietnamese and Koreans. Legend has it that Chinese New Year is used to celebrate the vistory over a notorious dragon who consumes children. Thus, firecrackers and lots of red stuff are used to scare the dragon away. Almost every year, I make a trip back to Penang (my hometown) to celebrate the new year. Penang is the only Chinese-dominated state in Malaysia. Thus, the air is thick with the festive mood or rather smoke from burning joss-sticks. This year, I brought along some of my gals to enjoy the festivities. Peaz will be documenting certain traditions and viewpoints of Chinese New Year. |
New
Year's Eve
.01
Afternoon Lunch
It begins with an afternoon lunch with granddad and dad in a traditional
coffeeshop selling only chicken rice and tea. The rest of the family members
are busy getting ready for the new year.
.02 Tai Shan Association
My dialect is Taishan (Thoy Shan in Cantonese). We accompany granddad
to the Tai Shan association in Penang. He catches up with some friends,
while I pranced about taking photos of Peaz. My granddad used to study
in the association when he was young. The sad thing is I can speak other
dialects, but I can't speak my own dialect.
.03 Red Lanterns
The members are more than ready to welcome the New Year visitors
with big red lanterns hanging from the ceiling.
.04 Sad Monk at Khoo Kong Si
We decided to detour to take some nice oriental images in another association
known as Khoo Kong Si. Khoo Kong Si is part of the heritage trail in Penang
and has been renovated for visitors. In the past era, associations of
different dialect groups are very important. They give a sense of belonging
to the Chinese migrants, and they hold ceremonies for birth, weddings
and furnerals. Some wealthier associations are able to offer scholarships
and education to children from their dialect group.
.05 Prayer Rites
The setting is for the prayer of important deities like Heavenly god,
Guan Yim (goddess of mercy) and Tua Pek Gong. Normally, chicken, duck,
nian gao (sticky cake), vegetables, tea and wine are used for prayers.
I do not partake in these ceremonies.
.06 Reunion Dinner
The table is set for the reunion dinner. In my family, the main dishes
are chicken, duck, fish, vegetables with abalones, fa cai (some type of
moss) and pig stomach soup. All meals are prepared by my uncle (family-appointed
food minister).
.07 Firecrackers
Firecrackers are banned because it did raise fires in old wooden houses.
However, most families still manage to store some "ammunition"
for the joyous occasion. Playing firecrackers is the event to look forward
after the reunion dinner.
New Year Day One
.08 Lion Dance
I am not a morning person. When I heard the sound of the Chinese drum,
gong and cymbals, I shot out of bed and manage to take a photo of Peaz
with the Lion. Lion Dance is used to bless the new year. They would come
to each house and dance in front of the deities and perform stunts. Lion
Dance Troops are also use throughout the year for the consecration of
new buildings, temples and businesses.
.09 Isn't she Cute?
My cousin came visiting dressed in a lovely peach cheongsam. Unable to
resist her cute demeanour, I took a photo of her with Ariane who is also
dressed in a cheongsam.
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New Year Day Two
I left to go back to KL. These are just some aspects of the
Chinese New Year. I am unable to capture other traditions like exchanging
of red packets and gifts, as well as the very packed temple in Penang.
Next Year, maybe.... Hope you enjoy this documentation :)