Festivals

Festivals play a major role in a multiracial country such as Malaysia. First of all, not only does it signify a (much needed) public holiday, but it also represents the point in time where different people with diverse cultural backgrounds go back to their roots and pay their respects to their ancestors and their God.

During the ever so red-hot Chinese New Year, married couples give ‘red packets’ to their children and those who have yet to get married as a token of good luck to start off the New Year. The reason why ‘red packets’ is named as such is because the Chinese culture strongly believe that the color red signifies good luck and it helps to ward off evil spirits. New Year cookies and snacks like pineapple tarts and fried mini spring rolls would be prepared beforehand so that the hosts of open houses would be able to give their visiting guests something to munch on.

Another festive occasion that is similar to the Chinese New Year would be the Hari Raya Aidilfitri, which is celebrated by the Muslim community around the nation. In the days leading to this event, the Muslims will set up ‘Ramadan bazaars’ or food stalls along specified streets in the town or city. The food that are being sold there can range from Western dishes like chicken chop to the ever so mouthwatering traditional Malay cuisine like beef ‘rendang’, which is something similar to a curry based dish. Similar to the Chinese culture, certain Muslim families would give their children ‘green packets’ as it represents good harmony and luck.

Those are just two of the most observed festive occasions that we have here in Malaysia; other examples such as Deepavali and Christmas are also widely celebrated by the people here and are always looked forward to as they represent the time where we pay our homage to our makers and not to mention strengthen the bond that is shared within the family.

Just a simple reminder, just because you come from a different race and background, that doesn't mean you aren’t allowed to celebrate the respective festive occasion with your friends. In Malaysia, we believe that you are obliged and encouraged to attend open houses that are being held across the nation during the many festive seasons, because even though you have a different belief and religion, we have learnt to put that all aside and instead look at the one thing that we all share and have in common, which is being a proud Malaysian.