Malaysians love to celebrate, and most importantly, we love our Public Holidays. We love all kinds of festivals and thank God that we are from various ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. But whatever these festivals are, the most common things that bind them are; Public Holidays and "Open House" Concept.
Before I proceed with my ramblings, let me introduce to you the meaning of an "Open House" concept. An "Open House" or "Rumah Terbuka" in Malay is literally means that the house is open to friends, relatives and even strangers to drop by and enjoy a delicious spread by the hosts. It is a tradition unique to Malaysia during festivities; for all kinds regardless of races and religions.
In this bog, I will only talk to you about festivals in Malaysia that are gazetted as Public Holidays and where Open House is part of the celebration. I will not talk about other festivals that may be gazetted as Public Holidays, but there is no Open House, because believed me, there are a lot of those festivals.
I will talk about these festival in chronological order, rather than its significant in Malaysia. Please note that photos in this blog are not mine.
1. Thaipusam
Thaipusam is celebrated by Hindus as a celebration of good over evil; or Lord Murugan’s victory over Soorapadman’s tyranny. It is an amalgam of the words “Thai” which is referring to the Tamil month of Thai (January to February) and "Pusam" which is the brightest star during this period.
During Thaipusam, the believers thank Lord Murugan for granting their wishes and defeating the “daily demons” that plague their lives, such as illnesses, career blocks or infertility. They also ask for forgiveness for any transgressions made and for blessings.
The preparation of Thaipusam itself usually begins before the day itself. Some devotees fast more than a month and some shave their heads. On the eve night of the celebration, some devotees would carry "Kavadis", which is literally “sacrifice at every step”, via hooks and thin spears that pierce their backs, cheeks and mouths. Other devotees would carry milk, a symbol of purity and virtue, as well as flowers and fruits as offerings.
The most famous temple of which this celebration is held is the Batu Caves Temple. Though there is not really a typical "Open House" during Thaipusam, but due to its gaining popularity of which millions of visitors; from local and foreign alike congregated at this Temple, I add this celebration in this blog.
2. Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year or also known as Lunar New Year is celebrated on the first day of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. This is the most important annual festival for the Chinese community. Each year is named after one of the 12 animals according to the Chinese Zodiac. Houses are cleaned and decorated to prepare for the big day. A reunion dinner for the family is held on the eve of the new year. During Chinese New Year most of the decorations are red in colour in order to scare/drive away evil spirits.
During the celebration, it is common that "angpau" or "angpow" - a red envelope containing some money to be given from married couples or the elderly to unmarried juniors. It is also common for adults or young couples to give red packets to children. Nowadays, it is also common for some Chinese colleagues or friends to give those envelopes to non-Chinese colleagues or friends. In addition to these "angpau", most people would give Chinese Mandarin oranges to all their friends and acquaintances days or even weeks before the celebration.
Lion or dragon dances are common during this festival. Though fireworks are still being enjoyed during this festival, it was no longer the prominent aspect of the celebration due to danger and noisy.
The concept of open house is practiced during this festival where the homes are open for friends and family to visit, regardless of race and religion. The country’s leaders from Chinese background will organise open houses on a larger scale of which it is often held at a community hall to accommodate the crowds of locals and foreign visitors who come to greet their leaders and tuck into festive goodies.
3. Wesak Day
Wesak Day is celebrated by Buddhists in Malaysia as in other countries in the world by usually begins at dawn at Buddhist temples. A candle procession is the highlight of the celebration. At the same time, offerings of prayers, burning of joss sticks and incense, giving food to the needy and donations are also made. Ardent devotees will take turns to bathe the Buddha statue, which is a special ritual that represents the purification and cleansing of one’s soul.
As part of accepted culture, Open House for Wesak Day is also being observed where vegetarian food is offered. The Buddhist Country's leaders will host open house on larger scale too.
4. Hari Raya Puasa or Eid Fitri
Hari Raya Puasa or Eid Fitri is the celebration of Muslim after fulfilling the obligation of fasting for the whole month of Ramadhan. The first day of celebration is on the first day of the month of Shawal and in Malaysia, we celebrate it for the whole month. After the Eid prayer at the nearest mosque, most Muslim families will visit the graves of their loved ones. After the visit from the graves, family members will congregated and asking forgiveness from each other. During this festival, Malaysian Muslims will wear colourful traditional dresses.
Open houses will be conducted for the whole month. This means that anyone, from family members and strangers alike can come visit and enjoy dishes without having to call and make appointment. Special dishes during this festival are normally "lemang" (glutinous rice cooked in bamboo), "rendang" (a dry stew of chicken or beef cooked in spices) and "ketupat" (rice cooked in coconut or palm leaves).
Muslims in Malaysia also has adapted the culture of giving "angpau" which normally given to kids in their early teenagers. "Angpau" also is given to family members who are yet to work or unmarried. Chinese New Year's "angpau" is only in red as compared to Hari Raya's "angpau" which is colourful.
The Muslim Country's leaders will host open houses on larger scales in their own states or constituencies.
5. Deepavali or Diwali
Deepavali or also known as Diwali is the Festival of Lights which is being celebrated by Hindu. It is the celebration of triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, thus the lights will be kept on the whole night. It is celebrated on the Hindu month of Kartik which falls in October or November. It is also the time of reunion of family members.
Houses will be decorated with colorful paper lanterns and kolam. The kolam is an intricate design on the floor made from coloured rice and colored powder. Most shopping complexes and public buildings will also put some kolam decorations to signify the celebration. At the dawn of Deepavali, Hindus perform ritual oil bath which signifies the cleansing of the body and soul. Just like the other festivals in Malaysia, Open Houses are also being observed during Deepavali which is a great occasion for people of all races and religions to come together to celebrate culture over tasty food and good companionship. The Hindu Country's leaders will conduct open houses on greater scales.
6. Christmas
As in other countries around the world, Christmas in Malaysia is celebrated on 25 December every year. It is a family gathering starting with a midnight mass on Christmas Eve followed by Christmas Day celebration the next day. Maybe a big difference between Christmas in Malaysia as compared to other countries is that, again, just like any other festivals in Malaysia, the Open Houses. People of from all walks of lives will celebrate with Christian friends by visiting their houses.
I hope I have shown the uniqueness of Malaysia and most importantly the uniqueness of Malaysians which come from a melting pots of ethnics, cultures and religions. Even though Islam is the predominant religion in the country, other religions are being practised and most importantly, all Malaysians will celebrate these festivals.
