Here's a breakdown of the key days and events during Chinese New Year in Malaysia:
Day 1 (Chinese New Year's Eve):
- Families gather for a reunion dinner on the eve of Chinese New Year. This is a significant occasion where family members come together to share a special meal and celebrate the start of the new year.
Day 2 (First Day of Chinese New Year):
- People exchange greetings and well-wishes for the new year. Children receive red packets (ang pao) filled with money as gifts from elders and relatives.
- Visiting friends and relatives is customary on this day, with people making social visits to extend their new year greetings.
Day 3 to Day 14:
- These days are marked by continued festivities, visits to temples for prayers, and family gatherings. There may be local cultural events and performances related to Chinese New Year during this period.
Day 15 (Chap Goh Mei, Lantern Festival):
- This day marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. It is commonly known as the Lantern Festival, where people gather in public areas with lanterns to celebrate and mark the conclusion of the new year festivities.
It's worth noting that the dates of Chinese New Year are based on the lunar calendar and change each year. However, the duration of the celebration remains approximately the same, with the main festivities lasting for about 15 days in Malaysia.
