Festive Mood Still Strong In 2nd Week Of CNY
By Rosli Abidin Yahya, Achong Tanjong, NAJ & Azaraimy

Bandar Seri Begawan - Lion Dances continued to be held at various functions in the second week of the Chinese New Year. The traditional ritual, believed to bring good luck and prosperity, usually feature elaborate costumes and dance routines as well as gongs, drums and acrobatic displays.

Firecrackers are lit and thrown near the lion to frighten away evil spirits and attract the attention of benevolent ones. The dancers then reach to take red packets containing money, or fruits and vegetables, hung up high for them.

Before the troupe laves, the house owner or event organiser presents the performers with ang pows. During this festive period, many places are seen decorated with colourful lanterns, floral displays and banners emblazoned with Chinese New Year greetings.

Preparations traditionally began a week before the New Year, when families thoroughly clean their homes to symbolically sweep away all traces of misfortune. They also pay off debts, bring in flowers as well as add a new coat of red paint to the doors and windowpanes.

Parents advise children to be on their best behaviour and to avoid the use of vulgar expressions. The Chinese community members also wear newly bought clothes and light fireworks.

They also present gifts to friends and relatives, usually special rice flour cakes, kumquats and oranges, among others. At the end of two weeks, there is a Lantern Festival marked by merchants.

Last Saturday night, a big crowd of people, mostly comprising the Chinese Chamber of Commerce members, visited 'an open house hosted by their Executive Vice President Mr Lim Teng Huan.

His two brothers, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce's Head of Youth Lim Ting Chai and Chairman of the Young Entrepreneur Council Lim Ting Guan, also jointly hosted an open house the night before.

Among the visitors Saturday were the Chinese Chamber of Commerce President Mr Robert Koh and other senior mem-bers. Another open house was held mean-while at the residence of Belait businessman Chai Yumm Fatt in Kg Sungai Liang.

In attendance were Belait District Officer Hj Mohammad Hj Abd Rahman, Brunei-Muara District Officer Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Yusof Bakar, President of the Brunei Scout Association Pehin Dato Seri Paduka Hj Mohd Ali, Mukim Liang Penghulu Hj Abd Hamid Momin, Sungai Liang Headman Hj Azmi Abdullah, as well as members of the Mukim Liang Consultative Council, their family members and other invited guests. The Orchid Garden Hotel on Saturday evening also hosted a Delicious Yee Sang event complete with a performance from the Chung Hwa Lion Dance Troupe and festive music, adding to the ambience.

At all these events, with the aim of fostering closer ties and understanding among all the attendees, New Year greeting and wishes were exchanged. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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