Read about the origin, history and celebration of New Year (Chap Goh Mei) in Malaysia.
Fundoo Times: Festivals: New Year: New Year in Malaysia

New Year in Malaysia

Origin and History of New Year in Malaysia

The majority of the people/citizens in Malaysia are Chinese. Hence, the Chinese New Year is observed by following regular Chinese traditions and customs. Chap Goh Meh is the fifteenth and final day of the Lunar New Year period. ‘Chap Goh Meh’ is the local Malaysian name for this event. The word ‘Chap Goh Meh’ is derived from the Hokkien dialect which refers to the fifteenth day of the first month. Since it is the first full moon of the New Year, the day is celebrated with great gusto. In Malaysia the day is considered a joyful occasion due to abundant food and family gatherings.

Local name: Chap Goh Mei

Ways to celeberate Chap Goh Mei in Malaysia

Malaysians prepare from the first day to celebrate the occasion. The day is cherished with vigor and excitement across the country. The people shop and decorate their houses with lively decorative items. Every inch of the residence is cleaned and decorated with red colored items. They generally use flowers, red carpets, colorful Chinese lanterns and kumquat trees to beautify their homes. The people of Malaysia adorn themselves with new clothes and greet their friends and family members on this day. Greeting cards are also exchanged between relatives and friends. Dinner includes a range of items like seafood, dumplings, delicacies include waxed duck, prawns, braised dried oysters and scallops. During this occasion, family members from far of places return back to their country for the reunion dinner.