Gong Xi Fa Cai (Happy Chinese New Year)

Malaysia is represented by a diversity of cultures, religions and race living under absolute peace and harmony since independence 50 years ago. The tolerance and appreciation of living in togetherness has been the epitome of success of Malaysia in the eyes of the world. The population of Malaysia of Chinese descent is represented by approximately 30% of the 24 million Malaysians.

The Chinese would welcome the Year of the Rat come Lunar New Year which falls on February 7-8, 2008. The festive mood among Malaysians especially the Chinese starts a month from the date and we could all see the mandarin oranges being sold in supermarkets and shops whilst everything red symbolizes the attraction of good fortune.

Bamboo plants, red lanterns, plum blossom plants, gold ingots, firecrackers and lion dances are some of the common items associated with each Lunar New Year.

It is also another large human migration from the cities to hometowns to celebrate with the family which starts with the reunion dinner on the eve of the Lunar New Year. A dish which is a certainty these days is "Yee Sang". Yee Sang is a Chinese-style raw fish salad. It usually consists of strips of raw fish (most commonly salmon), mixed with shredded vegetables and a variety of sauces and condiments, among other ingredients. Literally translated, "yusheng" means "raw fish", though it can also be taken to symbolise abundance, prosperity and vigor.

Travelling along Jonker Walk and Jalan Bunga Raya come the festive period, the whole street is transformed into sea of brightly lit red lanterns hung along the streets which creates a certain happy celebration feel among the visitors. Melaka town comprise of a high Chinese population and with the return of Melaka born individuals on top of the visitors from outside the state, the roads could get jammed up.

The preparation starts a month before the Lunar New Year and forms another hectic rush for foodstuff as well as new clothings which the Chinese believes to a fresh new start to a great year. Clothes of bright red in color is auspicious for Chinese during this period while black is a big NO though in modern times, this taboo had been broken by the younger generation.

The festive mood starts early where a trip down to the supermarket for some household stuff was met with a surprising and enlightening Lion Dance Troupe performance. The Lion Dance has been a feature of the New Year celebrations, chasing away evil, and bringing good fortune to all.

It was enlightening to see a performance associated with the Chinese community is enjoyed by many non-Chinese present at the entrance of the supermarket and ended with a round of applause from the appreciative crowd.

One of the attraction is certainly the young boy (picture on top right) who seems engrossed in learning the ropes of the performance and an apprecntice to being a well known performer in years to come.

Crowd was also captivated by the football crazy lion (left picture) and though he was no Ronaldinho or Cristiano Ronaldo in performing tricks with the ball, he surely kicked the ball well.

The walk round the supermarket with the drums and cymbals banging in a harmony (though a little loud to the ear drums) is a change from the normal piped music. The supermarket cash tills would certainly be ringing constantly with the lions performing blessings on the machines.

Note: I was informed that the supermarket branch were given a increased sales quota of RM2.5mil for 2008 and thus, the blessings would be helpful.

For visitors to Melaka during the Lunar New Year need not worry about a chance to catch a lion dance performance. There will be many such performances in the city by many different troupes. One of the places for certain is the Jonker Walk area so hang around there where there will be lots of activities in that area when night falls.

Here's wishing all Malaysians, Gong Xi Fa Cai. May the year of the Rat brings you lots of good health, prosperity and happiness.