You Know It’s Almost Chinese New Year When Everything Is Going Red
Even the mannequins are ready for CNY
Red, red, red. Everywhere you look, it’s all red. Supermarkets. Department stores. Even entire shopping malls.
Every year, right after New Year’s Day, Malaysian retail outlets are flooded with one colour only. Red. It’s all in preparation for Chinese New Year, which usually falls in either January or February, depending on the lunar calendar.
As a Chinese person, I can say that we are a superstitious bunch. Red is considered an auspicious colour as it represents fire, which symbolises life, vitality and prosperity. So it’s no surprise that red takes centre stage during Chinese New Year.
Yes, I know it is more commonly known as the lunar new year (and it is probably the more politically correct term), but in Malaysia, only the Chinese celebrate it. So, I am used to calling it “Chinese New Year”. Please bear with me. On top of that, I am not sure about how other cultures celebrate the lunar new year, so this photo essay solely focuses on Chinese traditions for the new year.
Packages of festive food always come in red for that festive vibe. It is hard to find another colour for food packaging during Chinese New Year. Here are a few pictures taken at our local supermarket…
