Joyful Spring

It's here.

 The Lunar New year is just days away; so it is in me to be in the midst of noise, fun and Chinese music. Sara laughs at me because I am so ancient and just want to be a busybody and budge around aimlessly. That was exactly what I chose to do. So I dragged poor dad along the streets of Kuala Lumpur and see the town coloured in red. Red is the official colour associated with the Lunar New Year. Red to the Chinese of the olden times was symbolic. It wards of evil and bad luck. The loud hue lights up the mood and promotes merriment. People longs to be happy and joyous. So another new year with a fresh bout of good things.

 This is the "Chang" clan. My father is also a "Chang"; he is so well respected by the clan in Muar that the members of this clan refuse to elect anyone else as the head of Hakka Association except him. Kong Kong has over and over again reminded them that he is no more energetic and could no longer function as the head effectively. They refuse to agree and insist that being old is not the same as being useless. They still want his leadership and his skill in resolving clan issues.So, the dear old head is still making daily decisions for them.
 I am proud of him. He surely is a good son of the clan; useful till the last days of his life.

 The malls are so imaginative and can catch the spirit and heart of her audience.
So they packed 'Hakka' goods in beautiful coverings to attract the Hakka crowd; talk about competitions.
 One is tempted to buy just for the packaging; not even the taste.

 "Wan Tze Chien Hung" is a term to connote hues of all shades and beauty. 

This is an example of the expression. 

So pretty and alluring.

The mood is really set.

 The blossoms are here to tell us it's spring time. They will flower on trees in temperate lands to greet the season. In the local mall, they also brighten up the place and brings joyful expressions to everyone.

 I saw this tree 'dressed' in pink blooms and it brought a big smile

.People do go all out to create the ethos, don't they?

 The red lanterns again create the romantic and good feelings; a right setting for the season.

 Chinese calligraphy of good greetings and blessings written and spoken bring people together in joy.

 The red hue is a must for this season.

 The well decorated stairs with wide spans of the red cloth is a calling for all the good things to happen.

These stairs are so well decorated.

It is nostalgic to see customs and culture not forgotten.

 

The day out was made memorable with these drums; the sound being the symbol of good fortune and times; traditions and cultural practices passed down from generation to generation.

Looking forward to the Lunar festival.