It is one of the main, grand fest in Brunei. In order to get the experience and to know how Chinese people celebrated the Chinese New Year, I interviewed a Chinese friend, Ching Yee, asking for her to share her Chinese New Year with me.
Ching Yee had a family gathering at her pop's house on the 1st day of the Chinese New Year. At midnight of Chinese New Year, they went to the temple and prayed for good luck. She said, it is a must for them to first visit the eldest ones in the family, and that's her grandparents' house followed by the rest of the family members.
What special about Chinese New Year –was actually just like any other celebrations in Brunei- are the food!! This includes the delicious yet expensive shark fins and scrumptious dumplings. However, what's so unique about the dumplings was that some of them had been inserted with coins. These coins were believed to bring good fortune to those who were lucky enough to get them. In this case, sadly she said she didn't get one but her mother did. So, I guess she can just share her mother's fortune.
Another one was the famous Lion Dance. It was to make the celebration merrier. In Brunei, the Dragon Dance is rare. Lion Dance and firecrackers are parts of the Chinese's tradition.
Red packets were given by married ones to youngsters, single men/women and old folks. New clothes were also a must especially on the first day as it symbolized a new year; preferably red but not black or any dull colours.
The 14th day is spent preparing for the Lantern Festival which is held on the 15th night. In many other countries, the highlight of the Lantern Festival is the Dragon Dance. We got to see quite a lot of Lion Dance in Brunei but the Dragon Dance is pretty rare. The noise from gongs and drums during the Lion Dance and excited children added a special touch to the festive mood.
By Rabiatul Adawiyah
Chinese New Year – The Year of The Boar.
by: Noorul Zatul Amali
My country, Brunei Darussalam, same like the rest of the countries in the world celebrated Chinese New Year on 18th February 2007. It was indeed a very festive celebration and without doubt the biggest one celebrated by the Chinese community in my country.
Just weeks before the celebration, I could see many major shopping complexes in my country setting up Chinese lanterns and auspicious red banners. Many Chinese people went and buy things like food and drinks for the auspicious celebration, Mandarin oranges are a must of course! One would be amazed with the beauty of the Chinese culture when they passed the Toyota Showroom in Gadong where the people working there set up a huge model representing the festive season currently celebrated. In the picture to the left was a last year picture of me with the lion! It was truly an amazing time! I was indeed realized long ago of my love for the culture!
On Chinese New Year’s Eve, families would reunite and dine with scrumptious food. While the next day, children and singles are given ‘Ang pows’ which is ‘Red packet’ or ‘lucky money’. This is similar to Hari Raya Aidilfitri which the Muslims celebrate. Friends and relatives will visit one another, not only the Chinese community but other races like Malay also come and visit their friends as well as relatives. It’s frown upon to wear black or white clothes during Chinese New Year celebration because it’s believed to bring bad luck. Sweeping the floor are also forbidden as this is believed to sweep away the family’s good luck and fortunes. Although this year, my family didn’t really celebrate Chinese New Year as much as last year due to working reasons – we only get to visit a few of my parents’ friends in my country but next year, if no other circumstances arises, we will celebrate festively!
By :
Noor Zatul Amali
*************
More photos in Gallery
http://www.youngdiplomats.zsei.info/photo/thumbnails.php?album=78
