Brunei Chinese welcome lucky year for business
By Rosli Abidin Yahya

The Chinese community in Brunei Darussalam ushered in the Year of the Monkey which symbolises a year of action, unconventional practices and the breaking down of barriers.

It is considered a lucky year for business, with plenty of opportunities irrespective of one's animal sign and a year of optimism and grandiose schemes.

The Chinese New Year joy radiated from the open house held nationwide and was attended by the country's VIPs including ministers and top government officers.

The spirit of cooperation, cultural and religious tolerance was visible as open houses were attended by Malays and other races.

As in all festivals, Chinese New Year provides an opportunity to foster closer relationships, especially in holding open houses.

This attribute, which has become part of the country's civilisation, is one that Bruneians must nurture, practise and be proud of, said members of the population.

They said Bruneians must protect this cooperation culture amongst different communities and the tolerance amongst races to continue to draw good fortune from it.

Inside and outside the house of the Chinese community, red is again the chosen colour signifying prosperity and wealth.

Red - fiery red - has always been held in high esteem in Chinese culture and is significantly prominent in all aspects of ritual and tradition during Chinese New Year.

From ang pow to qi pao (or cheongsam), from firecrackers to traditional delicacies, red permeates everything to give the community luck and fortune for the coming year.

On their walls, posters and picture of monkeys stood to decorate their living rooms, being the Year of the Wood Monkey.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin