Lunar New Year Holiday in Malaysia

Day: The Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, typically falls between January 21 and February 20 each year, depending on the lunar calendar.

History: The festival has its roots in ancient Chinese culture and has been celebrated for millennia. It marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Since Malaysia is a multi-ethnic country with a significant Chinese population, the Lunar New Year is an official public holiday.

Traditions:

• Reunion Dinners: On the eve of the Lunar New Year, families gather for reunion dinners, which are lavish feasts symbolizing family unity.
• Red Envelopes: Known as 'ang pao,' these are given out by married couples to children and unmarried adults to transfer good fortune and blessings.
• Lion and Dragon Dances: Performances take place in public areas and outside businesses to bring good luck.
• Decorations: Homes are adorned with red lanterns, couplets, and other decorations symbolizing prosperity.

Activities:

• Temple Visits: Many Malaysian Chinese visit temples to pray for a prosperous year ahead.
• Fireworks and Firecrackers: These are set off to scare away evil spirits and attract good luck (though there may be restrictions in urban areas).
• House Cleaning: Prior to the festival, families clean their homes to sweep away bad fortune.
• Open Houses: Malaysians host or attend open houses where friends from different ethnic backgrounds join in on celebrations.

The Lunar New Year is a time of joyous celebration, reflecting Malaysia's cultural diversity while upholding traditions that have been passed down through generations.