Year of the Monkey marked with Lion Dance
By Cedrina Clark

Making a presentation during the performance

Beating cymbals and drums for added atmosphere

Children dressed in traditional attire

Many Chinese people throughout Brunei are still celebrating and welcoming Year of the Monkey 2004.

Aside from holding open houses, they also call up troupes for a Lion Dance in and out of their homes to chase away bad spirits and bring good luck.

This is usually accompanied by colourful costumes, loud cymbals or gongs and even firecrackers for extra effect.

Such scenes could be easily found in Kuala Belait and Seria Town, where young kids have even been spotted wearing traditional clothes like the "Cheong Sam."

The Chinese New Year ends on the fifteenth day of the Lunar Calendar, which they refer to as "Chap Goh Meh," when many families of this race gather for a dinner either in restaurants or at home.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin