Children kissing the hand of the elder
For Muslims, Hari Raya Aidil Fitri or Hari Raya Puasa marks the ends of
Ramadhan, a month of fasting from sunrise to sunset, and the first of
Syawal, the tenth month of the Muslim calender.The day is significant as
it encompasses the act of fasting and the paying of zakat ( alms tax )both
which are tenets of Islam.The festive mood starts on the 20th day of
Ramadhan, when Muslims light oil lamps outside their homes for seven
days.Muslims usher in Hari Raya with morning prayers in mosque followed by
visits to the graves of the departed.After the prayers, young members of
the family formally ask for forgiveness from their parents for sins of
commissions and omission in the previous year. Well wishers visiting
Muslim homes are treated to festive goodies.
The famous Lion Dances
For the Chinese, the Lunar New Year is the time for starting a new year named after one of the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac.On New Year's Eve, all members of a household attend a reuniondinner.The next day, there are visits to temples to offer prayers for good luck.Unmarried youngsters are given red packet containing money,called ang pows.During this festival,which lasts 15 days,the sweeping of the floors is forbidden as it is believed that good luck will be swept away.The celebrations end with a bang on Chap Goh Mei,meaning 15th night in the Hokkien dialect.
Deepavali preparations.
Popularly known as the Festival of Lights, Deepavali is celebrated by
Hindus to commemorate the triumph of good over evils.Hindus believe that
on this day Lord Krishna defeated the forces of evils led by
Nargansuran.On Deepavali day,Hindus rise early to have an oil bath.Then
they put on their new clothes and go to the temples to pray.During the
Deepavali season, homes are lighted up with oil lamps to signify the
victory over darkness, and the floor of the sitting room is decorated with
rangoli,made of rice flour.Friends and relatives are feted with
traditional Indian delicacies..
Wesak days
Celebrated by Buddhists.Wesak Day marks the birth,enlightenment, and death of Buddha. Activities at Buddhist temples on Wesak Day normally comprises a "bathing the Buddha" ceremony, the chanting of sutras, the lighting of fragrant joss-sticks, oil, lamps, and candles ; the offerings of incense and flowers, the release of pigeons, and the ordinations of monks.At night, colourful processions of illuminated floats are held with devotees carrying lighted candles.Falling normally in May, Wesak Day is also considered to be an auspicious occasions for making donations in cash and kind to the needy.
The Gawai Dayak, celebrated by the Dayaks of Sarawak, marks the end of the paddy planting season.To prepare for the festival, Dayaks clean their homes and the graves of their ancestors. A day before the celebration,every member of the family will attend a reunion ceremony.In this ceremony, the youngest member of the family will offer a plate of specially prepared food to his parents.Tuak ( rice wine )is served to guests and dancing is part of the merry making.During the festival, the Dayaks are decked in their finest costumes.Livestock is also sacrified for a good harvest.
