Shops turn red for Year of Monkey
By Rosli Abidin Yahya

Two mannequins of a boy and girl, dressed in traditional Chinese attire, "greet" customers at the entrance to Hua Ho Department Store in Yayasan. Photo: Zureena Abdullah

Chinese New Year brings a sense of anticipation of what is in store under the next zodiac sign. As the Goat bleats into the past to make room for the mischievous Monkey, shopping for the auspicious day is gathering full momentum.

Shoppers to a major shopping centre in the capital were pleasantly surprised when they found themselves greeted by two small mannequins, which also rendered celebration songs.

The interior of the shopping centre is filled with mostly red decorations such as cards, papers, posters and balloons. To the Chinese, red is associated with prosperity.

As with Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, the Chinese New Year provides an opportunity to foster closer relationships, especially in holding open houses.

Chinese New Year is set to fall on January 22.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin