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Visiting Temple
Visiting temples during Chinese New Year is a common
practice for many people. This tradition is rooted in a
mixture of religious and cultural beliefs.
For those who practice Buddhism or Taoism, visiting
temples during Chinese New Year is a way to pay
respects to deities and ancestors, offer prayers for
blessings, and seek guidance for the upcoming year.
Temples are seen as sacred spaces where individuals
can connect with the divine and express gratitude.
Beyond religious beliefs, visiting temples during Chinese
New Year is also a deeply ingrained cultural tradition. It is
believed that starting the new year with prayers and
offerings at temples can bring good fortune, health, and
prosperity for the year ahead. It's a way to cleanse
oneself of any past misfortunes and to usher in positive
energy for the coming year.

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Peng Cai
Peng cai (also spelled as Poon Choi or Big Bowl Feast) is a traditional Chinese dish
that originated from the Guangdong province of China. It is a rich and elaborate dish
typically served during special occasions such as Chinese New Year or weddings.
Peng cai is essentially a large pot of various ingredients layered on top of each
other, including seafood, meats (such as pork, chicken, and duck), mushrooms,
vegetables, and other delicacies. These ingredients are carefully arranged in layers
and cooked together in a savory broth until they are tender and flavorful. The dish is
often served in a large bowl or basin, hence the name "big bowl feast."
Peng cai is known for its complex flavors and symbolic significance, representing
abundance, prosperity, and togetherness. It is often enjoyed as a communal meal,
bringing family and friends together to celebrate special occasions.
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Giving/ Receiving red packet
Giving red packets, known as "hongbao" in Mandarin or "lai see"
in Cantonese, during Chinese New Year is a longstanding tradition
rooted in cultural beliefs and customs.
The color red symbolizes good luck, happiness, and prosperity in
Chinese culture. By giving red packets filled with money, it is
believed to bring good fortune and blessings to the recipient for
the coming year.
In traditional Chinese folklore, red is also associated with warding
off evil spirits and negative energy. Giving red packets is thought
to provide protection and ensure a smooth and auspicious start to
the new year.
Red packets are a way for elders to express their love, care, and
blessings for younger generations. It is a gesture of goodwill and
affection, symbolizing wishes for happiness, success, and
prosperity in the recipient's life journey.

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Lion Dance
The lion dance is a traditional Chinese cultural performance often
associated with festive occasions such as Chinese New Year, grand
openings of businesses, weddings, and other celebrations.
The lion is a symbol of power, wisdom, and good fortune in Chinese culture.
The lion dance is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring luck and
prosperity to the community.
The lion dance is typically performed by two dancers inside a lion costume.
One performer controls the lion's head, while the other controls the lion's
body and tail. The lion's movements are often lively, acrobatic, and
synchronized to the beat of drums, cymbals, and gongs.
Before the performance begins, there are often rituals such as "awakening the
lion" and "dotting the eyes" of the lion costume to bring it to life. Red
envelopes containing money, known as "hongbao," may be hung above the
lion's head as an offering.
The lion dance often involves interaction with the audience and may include
playful gestures such as the lion "eating" lettuce or oranges and
distributing lucky candies or banners with auspicious messages.

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Kek Lok Si
Kek Lok Si is a famous Buddhist temple situated in Air Itam,
Penang, Malaysia. During the Chinese New Year celebrations, Kek
Lok Si Temple is beautifully adorned with colorful lanterns, lights,
and decorations, attracting numerous visitors and worshippers.
The temple complex itself is already an impressive sight, but
during Chinese New Year, it becomes even more magnificent with
the addition of festive decorations. Many people visit the temple
during this time to pray for blessings, good fortune, and prosperity
for the upcoming year.
The atmosphere at Kek Lok Si during Chinese New Year is vibrant
and lively, with families and friends gathering to make offerings,
light incense, and participate in various cultural activities. It's a
time for reflection, gratitude, and renewal, as people welcome the
new year with hope and positivity.

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Chap Goh Meh
Chap Goh Meh is a significant festival celebrated by the Chinese
community, marking the 15th and final day of the Lunar New Year
festivities. It is also known as the Chinese Valentine's Day or Lantern
Festival. "Chap Goh Meh" is a Hokkien term, which translates to "the
fifteenth night."
Traditionally, Chap Goh Meh is celebrated with various customs and
activities. One of the most notable customs is the throwing of mandarin
oranges into rivers or lakes by single women, hoping to find a good
husband. In some places, there are also lantern parades, dragon
dances, and other cultural performances. It's a time for families to
come together, enjoy each other's company, and mark the end of the
Lunar New Year celebrations.
Chap Goh Meh holds cultural significance beyond its traditional
customs. It's a time for reflection, gratitude, and the strengthening of
family bonds. In recent years, celebrations have become more diverse,