Chinese New Year (CNY) aka Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival is an important festival in Malaysia where about a third of the population is Chinese. The date for Chinese New Year is based on the lunar calendar but the date fluctuates as it is often seen from a w estern perspective but it can be either in January or February.
Each CNY is designated as “The Year of” one of the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac. Each animal is supposed to characterise a particular year and all those born in that year.
On Tuesday Feb 5, Chinese here and all over the world will welcome the Year of the Pig with a big bang as strings of fire crackers are set off around midnight. This festival has been celebrated over a millennia with traditions deeply engrained in the Chinese culture.
Prayers, offerings and other acts of devotions are part of the CNY activities. Ang pows or red packets bearing gifts of cash are presented to children and elders.
Businesses also make it a point to gift mandarin oranges and goodies to enhance business ties.
The Chinese New Year celebrations this year will last until Feb 19.
