Chinese New Year Celebrations 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.
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.
Food as part of the Chinese New Year Celebrations
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.
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