Yup, getting stuck in traffic while trying to go back to our respective home towns to visit our parents/grandparents. The capital--Kuala Lumpur will be almost empty around the eve and the first day.
2. Giving mandarin oranges to whoever we see.
Ah, I almost forgot about this. During Chinese New Year, everyone who visited anyone brought oranges as a sign of good fortune. The oranges represent gold and good luck. Plus, they were quite a treat to eat during the hot weather. Oh yea, the ones in the clear plastic wrap were the more expensive ones. So if you wanna show off your status, better get that one lol!
3. Eating lots and lots of cookies
Cookies!! There are too many types of cookies that Malaysians eat during Chinese New Year. We also have cookies from the various ethnicities in Malaysia like Kuih Bahulu, Muruku and Kuih Bangkit.
4. Having lion dances in front of our houses.
Diversity! Just look at that picture. No matter what race you are, as long as you can do the lion dance in style, you'll receive a big angpao.
5. Playing firecrackers
The above image is called "pop pop", it is the level 1 firecrackers for beginners. Once you're an expert, you graduate to more advance ones like "bumble bee" and "dragon egg".
6. The number "8" everywhere
Number "8" in the mandarin language is "ba" which somehow rhymes with "fa" which also means to gain good fortune. Everywhere in the malls to grocery store, prices will be like 0.88, 8.88 or 88% discount off!
7. Visiting relatives and friends
Chinese new year is a time to spend with friends and family. So, what better way than to go visit all your long lost cousins, uncles and aunts. Occasionally, you'll meet someone like the picture above who claims that you have "grown so big". Well duh! It's been years!
8. Getting Angpao
Red packets or as we call them in Malaysia--Angpao are filled with money where only the married are allow to give the non-married. Hence, it's good news for children and teens because we get all the money. Aww yeah, I remembered getting of an average of about RM350 (about $100 USD) per year for Angpao. Most of it came from my parents of course!
9. Listening to Chinese New Year songs
Every year, the local TV and radio station will make our own version of Chinese New Year songs. Sure, some of them might be bad but hey it still brings the vibe of the festivity season. That's what counts right?
10. And last but not least--eating some damn good food and Yee Sang/ Lou Sang.
Yee Sang/Lou Sang is a dish filled with sliced fresh vegetables, pickled fruits/vegetables, peanuts, fried fritters and raw fish. The fish can be your personal choice but most people go for Salmon. Occasionally, people also add in abalone.
