During the Lunar New Year, many traditions are practiced. It is the season where the red colour stands out. We see red lanterns, red packets, auspicious Chinese calligraphy wishes written on red paper as well red decorations. Ladies and men also take the opportunity to dress up in red too!
One of the traditions is hanging up a piece of red cloth (called ‘Chai Kee’ by the Peranakans) over the doors of houses. Today we also see the ‘Chai Kee’ hung over the doors of shops. The ‘Chai Kee’ is not only hung up during the Lunar New Year but also during special occasions like weddings. This tradition is symbolic of protection and blessing for households or businesses.
Each year when I hang up the ‘Chai Kee’ over the doorposts of our house, I am reminded of a Bible story in Exodus 12:12-13. The Israelites were given instructions to take some of the blood from the slaughtered lamb and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses. That would be the sign and when God brings judgement on Egypt, they would be spared.
Today when we hang the ‘Chai Kee’ over our doorposts, we are reminding ourselves of God’s character of righteousness, grace and mercy. Indeed, we must always be grateful for all the blessings that we have as individuals, families as well as a nation.
In fact, a number of our Chinese practices today have evolved since the beginning of time. Parents and elders bless the children with red packets. Married adults also give red packets to bless others and wish them prosperity. So, as we give or receive red packets this year, let us be very appreciative of all the blessings that we have as a people and nation - respect, peace, unity in diversity as well as prosperity in every way.
God bless Malaysia!
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Mei Wong (mwrejoice@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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