An Islander's Perspective of Penang
A photo taken during the George Town Chinese New Year festival back in February 2020. This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Movement Control Order, no large celebrations, travel or mass gatherings will be allowed for Chinese New Year.
Lion dance performance during the Chinese New Year celebration at George Town. Lion dance in Penang was found to have started during the 1930s, whereby it was a tradition brought over by immigrants from southern China back then. Hence, the common lion dance here is the southern lion dance style. Usually performed during Chinese New Year or any major Chinese event, the lion dance is believed to bring luck and fortune.
The Han Jiang Teochew Temple (or Hanjiang Ancestral Temple) is a Chinese temple located along Chulia Street (Lebuh Chulia) in George Town and right at the cross junction of Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling. It is the community temple of the Penang Teochew Association. Completed in 1870, it serves as the community temple of the Penang Teochew Association which was formed in 1855 by six Teochew migrants.
Founded and established by Dr. Sun Yat-sen in 1910, Kwong Wah Yit Poh (or Kwong Wah Daily) is one of the oldest Chinese language newspapers in the country and is predominantly read by the Chinese community in the northern region of Malaysia.
A plate of Chinese fried rice served at the Eng Loh Kopitiam at Bishop Street, George Town.
Every year usually during the month of March or April, Chinese locals will be paying respect to their ancestors during the Qingming Festival (also known as Tomb Sweeping Day and Clear Bright Festival). Qingming Festival is also commonly known as Cheng Beng by the local Hokkiens in Penang.
A Chinese tradition, the Qingming Festival is an opportunity for members of a family to remember and honour their ancestors at grave sites. Young and old pray before the ancestors, sweep the tombs and offer food, tea, wine, chopsticks, joss paper accessories, and/or libations to the ancestors.
A Chinese Incense Sticks shop by the side of the old Kuan Yin Temple at Kapitan Keling Mosque Street, George Town.
The old Kuan Yin Temple at Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling (or Kapitan Keling Mosque Street), George Town.
Prayers at the Chew Jetty’s Temple during the Jade Emperor celebration (on the 9th day of Chinese lunar new year). Every year, the Weld Quay area is usually host to the biggest celebration for the Jade Emperor in Penang.