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The Chinese Lunar Calendar was devised around 300 BC during the period of Emperor Yao to enable the farmers to know the period of sowing and harvesting of the crop. The Chinese New Year, according to the Chinese Lunar Calendar, falls either in January or February. It is the most important festival of the Chinese celebrated with same vigor and interest all over the world. Although the festivities continues for 15 days, the main festival is celebrated on the first three days. The festival is celebrated with burning of firecrackers at the midnight on the eve of the Chinese New Year. The preparations for the Chinese New Year starts long before the festival date with cleaning of the houses and purchasing of items for decoration of the house like flowers and kumquat trees. On the eve of the Chinese New Year, the family and friend have a joint family dinner to welcome the New Year. Younger ones of the family visit their relatives and get red packets of lucky money known as ang paus as gifts. The added attraction of the Chinese New Year is the Chingay Parade, which complete the ambience of absolute festivity. At the parade, you may find stilt walkers, acrobatic performances and lion and dragon dances. The best place to witness and participate in celebration of Chinese New Year in Malaysia is at Penang. |
