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Chinese New Year Celebrations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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Chinese New Year Decorations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Chinese New Year Decorations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

 

We spent the second week of the Chinese New Year celebrations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This celebration lasts for 15 days. The start of the Chinese New Year is on first day of the lunar month at the beginning of the new year based on the solar calendar. It ends of the 15th day of the lunar month with the night of the full moon. The year 2016, is the year of the fire Monkey. We had come to Kuala Lumpur to see our friends and relatives as part of the Chinese New Year celebrations. This travel article is about the 2nd week of our Chinese New Year celebrations in Kuala Lumpur.

 

Chinese New Year Celebration Decorations

Kuala Lumpur is the multi-racial Capital city of Malaysia. There are 4 distinct groups – Malays, Chinese, Indian and indigenous groups.  The Chinese population is a significant proportion and the celebrations are held widely. It is very different from London where the Chinese population is one of many races and a much smaller proportion. The main roads had Chinese New Year celebration decorations. The areas like Chinatown, temples and shopping centres were festooned with red decorations which are to energise the good luck for the coming New Year.

Probably, the most interesting celebration decorations in Kuala Lumpur were at Pavilion Shopping Mall. The decorations tell the Chinese story of the monkey king stealing the Peach of immortality from Heaven. The other symbols in the festive decorations are for good health (long life) and auspicious prosperity.

 

The Main entrance of the Pavilion Shopping Mall in Kuala Lumpur. It is bedecked with red Chinese lanterns with a floral arch of Chinese Peach and Chinese Plum Blossoms Trees as part of the Chinese New Year Celebrations.

The Main entrance of the Pavilion Shopping Mall in Kuala Lumpur. It is bedecked with red Chinese lanterns with a floral arch of Chinese Peach and Chinese Plum Blossoms Trees.

 

Detail of the Chinese Plum Blossom Tree with a red Chinese lantern as part of the chinese New Year Celebrations.

Detail of the Chinese Plum Blossom Tree with a red Chinese lantern .

 

The Monkey carrying the Chinese gold coin and the Chinese peach is the centre piece of the Chinese New Year Celebrations in the Pavilion Shopping Mall. It is huge, about 10 metres in height. Beneath the monkey are the peonies and more Chinese peaches. Peonies are the Chinese symbol of love and harmony. Chinese peaches are the symbol of good health. Chinese Coins and gold nuggets are symbols of good fortune. This decoration is part of the Chinese New Year Celebrations.

The Monkey carrying the Chinese gold coin and the Chinese peach is the centre piece of the Chinese New Year Celebrations in the Pavilion Shopping Mall. It is huge, about 10 metres in height. Beneath the monkey are the peonies and more Chinese peaches. Peonies are the Chinese symbol of love and harmony. Chinese peaches are the symbol of good health. Chinese Coins and gold nuggets are symbols of good fortune.

 

 

Visiting Friends and Family as part of the Chinese New Year Celebrations.

The other part of the Chinese New Year Celebrations is the meeting of friends and family. We literally had dinners every night and it was hectic. The pièce de résistance was an event on the 15th day of the New Year – Chap Goh Mei. Not only was there a lavish dinner, there was the lion dance with the monkey to usher in auspicious energy for the New Year.

 

The year 2016 is of the fire Monkey. The Monkey is preparing himself for the festivities at Chris and Jennifer's Chinese New Year Celebration party.

The year 2016 is of the fire Monkey. The Monkey is preparing himself for the festivities at Chris and Jennifer’s Chinese New Year Celebration party.

 

The monkey is now briefing the Chinese lions for the dance to bring in the auspicious energy of the Chinese New Year. This is part of the Chinese New Year Celebrations.

The monkey is now briefing the Chinese lions for the dance to bring in the auspicious energy of the Chinese New Year.

 

 

The Chinese Lions are preparing to carry the tray of good fortune for the house owners. The tray holds the pineapple (king of fruits), lettuce (food for the dragon), gold nuggets and oranges (symbols of wealth). This tradition is part of the Chinese New Year Celebrations.

The Chinese Lions are preparing to carry the tray of good fortune for the house owners. The tray holds the pineapple (king of fruits), lettuce (food for the dragon), gold nuggets and oranges (symbols of wealth).

 

The presentation of the tray of good fortune by the Chinese lions to Chris and Jennifer.

The presentation of the tray of good fortune by the Chinese lions to Chris and Jennifer.

 

A photo call of the the hosts Chris and Jennifer with the monkey, Chinese lions and 2 mini lions.

A photo call of the the hosts Chris and Jennifer with the monkey, Chinese lions and 2 mini lions.

 

Food as part of the Chinese New Year Celebrations

 

Helen, as part of a group tossing the Yee Shan dish and raising a chorus of “Lo Hai” for good fortune.

Helen, as part of a group tossing the Yee Shan dish and raising a chorus of “Lo Hai” for good fortune.

 

The Chinese New Year Celebrations in Kuala Lumpur is different from London. Kuala Lumpur has a higher proportion of Chinese and the celebrations become more conspicuous. Also, the private celebrations are more lavish in both the restaurants and in their homes.

© 2016 MyFacesAndPlaces.co.uk

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