An Islander's Perspective of Penang
The celebration for the birthday of the Jade Emperor falls on the 9th lunar day of Chinese New Year and is celebrated mainly by the Chinese Hokkien community in Penang, which is also commonly referred to as the “Hokkien New Year”.
Two popular areas in Penang where this day is celebrated are the Jade Emperor Pavilion temple at Ayer Itam and the Clan Jetties area (such as the pictures below) at Weld Quay, George Town.
The old Kuan Yin Temple lighted up at night with lanterns during Chinese New Year. Located at Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, it is one of the oldest Chinese temples in Penang.
Preparations underway for Miao Hui, a Chinese New Year Celebration that will be held in George Town on 28th January 2023 from 4pm to 11pm at the heritage area from the Esplanade to the Khoo Kongsi. The celebration includes various cultural performances, food and most of the Penang Chinese clan houses will be open for public visit. It was found that the first Miao Hui event was also held in 1999, which was also the Year of Rabbit.
Chinese New Year decorations within the public park in Armenian Street. This year’s Chinese Lunar New Year marks the Year of the Tiger according to Chinese traditional beliefs.
Traditional style red lanterns on sale at the shops along Carnarvon Street as Chinese New Year festival is just around the corner.
The annual Chinese New Year decorations in several shopping malls in Penang such as Queensbay Mall and Gurney Plaza.
Lantern style sculptures of bull and cow signifying the Year of Ox for this Chinese New Year which can be viewed at the Esplanade in George Town.
Lantern style sculptures of a dragon and a phoenix from the Chinese culture are on lighted display at the Esplanade in George Town. These sculptures are made for the Chinese New Year celebrations in February but due to the pandemic and movement control order, not many people managed to visit them. Therefore, they are still being put on display till now.