Lunar New Year in Brunei

History and Significance

Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is not an official public holiday in Brunei, where Islam is the state religion. However, it is celebrated by the Chinese community, which makes up a significant minority of Brunei's population. The festival marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is rich in history and tradition, with roots in ancient agrarian society and mythologies designed to welcome a new planting season and pray for a prosperous harvest.

Traditions

During Lunar New Year, Chinese Bruneians engage in several traditional activities that are common across various countries celebrating this festival:

• Cleaning: Prior to the festivities, families clean their homes to sweep away bad fortune and make room for incoming good luck.
• Decorations: Homes are decorated with red lanterns, banners, and other ornaments bearing auspicious symbols and phrases.
• Reunion Dinner: On Lunar New Year's Eve, families gather for a reunion dinner which is considered one of the most important meals of the year.
• Red Envelopes: Known as 'ang pao', these envelopes containing money are given by elders to children as a form of blessing.
• Dragon and Lion Dances: Performances may be held in public spaces like shopping malls or during gatherings, believed to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits.

Activities on Lunar New Year

On the day itself:

• People dress in new clothes, often red or other bright colors symbolizing good fortune.
• They visit family members (particularly elders), friends, and neighbors to exchange greetings and well-wishes for the new year.
• Some may attend special events or performances organized within their community.

The celebration typically spans several days (often up to 15 days until the Lantern Festival), with each day having its own set of customs. However, due to Brunei's predominantly Muslim culture, public observance of Lunar New Year is more subdued compared to neighboring countries with larger Chinese populations.