
A traditional lion dance performance being held at an ancient stage at the old Khoo Kongsi compound in 2019.
An Islander's Perspective of Penang
A traditional lion dance performance being held at an ancient stage at the old Khoo Kongsi compound in 2019.
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.
Various activities at the Chinese New Year festival and celebration in George Town.
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 annual Chinese New Year celebration which is held in George Town’s heritage area. The celebration usually features various traditional arts and performance of the local Chinese culture.
A large wall art mural painted on the wall of the Shell petrol station located along Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway (or the Jelutong Expressway). This vibrant and colorful art work showcases the various iconic, cultural, and traditional items in Malaysia.
Lion dance performers with their new lions getting blessing from the Kuan Yin temple in George Town before the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year.
A lions ‘eye-dotting’ ritual and ceremony organized by Penang Wushu Lion & Dragon Dance Association. Most lions found in Penang are of the Southern Lions design and style.
“A new lion usually undergoes an eye-dotting ritual which gives the lion its ‘spirit’, because it must be brought to life and filled with a spirit through a religious ceremony. This is most of the times by a Taoist ceremony but it can be performed by any person with a high social status. The areas to be dotted with red pigment called “Zhu Sha” are the eye, ears ,nose, horn, feet, and the body; usually only the eyes are done in a public ceremony. The light in its eyes resembles that the lion’s eyes have been opened with a spirit and the shield reflects the good light from the heavens, although other explanations can be given for the mirror.”