Lion Dance a la Gangnam

The Chinese New Year is not complete without the lion dance. This is usually a pair of lions prancing to the beat of a Chinese drum. The lions dance vigorously, often performing on raised pillars where they leap from one to another, each of differing heights.

This year there was a twist!! There are lion dances a la Gangnam. However I still prefer the traditional lion dance with its deafening drum beats that raise your spirits in the celebration of the Chinese New Year.

Enjoy the Gangnam style lion dance here.

Thien Hau Temple, Kuala Lumpur

This is a temple located on a small hill, Robson Heights and every year it is festooned with red lanterns to welcome in the new lunar year. This year it welcomed the Year of the Snake. At night its myriad lanterns cast a red glow that can be seen from afar.

A large statue of Kuan Yin stands near the entrance with a little bridge across a small brook.

Further ahead is another statue of an old man with a book. I cannot read Mandarin so I don’t know who he represents.

To the side are the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac with plates describing the characteristics of each creature.

Inside the temple are idols depicting the different gods worshipped by believers. Many people were already there in the early morning to make petitions through prayers. Outside is a large decorative urn for joss sticks to be placed after prayers

The red lanterns strung above the courtyard form a red canopy. Lion dances are usually performed at certain hours to entertain the public. We are too early to catch the performance.

From the temple we get a panaromic view of the Kuala Lumpur suburbs, with the iconic buildings in the far off distance.

Lots of tourists and worshippers were thronging the temple grounds as we left.

Mall Décor Celebrating Chinese New Year

The following photos show the Chinese New Year décor in a major mall in K uala Lumpur.

The attractive red lanterns, against the bamboo backdrop plus the lovely flowers put shoppers into a festive mood which in turn loosens the purse strings, to the advantage of the special stalls set up close by.

One small stall had different bonzai plants for sale, including the Japanese Maple. A tad too expensive I thought, for some of the tiny pots.

Some plants symbolising prosperity were also on display.

There is also a very cosy nook for tired shoppers to take a break and enjoy the lovely flowers, both real and artificial, artfully arranged in clusters, a pleasing sight for sore eyes.

Amidst all the lovely decor something significant was missing. There was no sign of any serpent or snake figure even though we are welcoming the new lunar Year of the Snake. This is attributed to the fear people have of snakes. Mention a snake and most ladies would shudder in horror, me included.

I had a terrifying experience of having a small green snake curl itself round my ankle when I was walking to school. I screamed and kicked out, dislodging the snake. From that day on, I was very afraid of these slithery creatures that creep up silently on you. So in this mall, there is no snake or any serpent put up. Nonetheless, the decorations here are certainly a far cry from the pathetic display in China town.

Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur

This afternoon’s visit to Petaling Street, otherwise known as Chinatown, in Kuala Lumpur proved to be disappointing.

It is no longer the place it used to be, vibrant and busy, with vendors calling out, to attract customers to their stalls. There used to be more carts on wheels, selling roasts and other delectable eats.

Today,the voices that greeted my ears were speaking in foreign tongues; vendors were not locals but foreigners of different shades. The goods on display were cheap products sourced from China. Imitation bags, watches, clothing of dubious quality, sun glasses, etc., were on display along the street, often obscuring the high street shops.

With the Chinese New Year just days away, the décor along the street was nothing to shout about, just a few lanterns high above the street.

In fact there was no atmosphere at all, not like the yester years when the festive spirit was in the air with everyone making purchases to welcome in the new year.