People in Malaysia also celebrate their own traditional Chinese New Year. January and February is when Chinese New Year in Malaysia is being celebrated. On the eve of the Chinese Lunar Calendar, New Year in Malaysia is ushered in with the lighting of fire crackers at midnight.
Long before the day of celebration of New Year, eager crowds of shoppers can be seen searching for all kinds of seasonal delicacies: oranges for good luck and flowers and kumquat trees to beautify their homes. It is a tradition that all debts must be settled and the house spotlessly cleaned before the New Year begins in Malaysia.
At the time of New Year in Malaysia, troupes of lion dancers travel in trucks during the 15-day period to perform at individual homes and businesses, even in hotels and shopping complexes. It is one of the most spectacular sights during the time of New Year. One month before the New Year, people start buying new clothes, decorations and foodstuff; houses are cleaned from top to bottom. Every house is decorated with red lanterns, banners, plastic or paper firecrackers, panels inscribed with calligraphic characters bearing themes of happiness, wealth and longevity. Greeting cards are exchanged between relatives and friends.
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