The chinese year of the Rabbit is supposed to be a good year of opportunities for everyone. And if you are familiar with chinese tradition and culture you will know that this is a time of special rememberance and celebration and here in Malaysia almost all that can make it will try their best to travel back to their respective hometowns and to celebrate the festive season with their families and friends.
Unfortunately,I was unable to go back to Singapore due to various reasons but it is still wonderful to be able to celebrate the chinese new year with my families and friends here in Sabah which has been my home now for more than 30 years !
The Sabahan tradition of celebration festive seasons with the concept of "Open Houses" means that during such ocassions like chinese new year, many families invite their friends and families to a grand party at their respective homes and this is creating wonderful fellowships and goodwill among the various ethnic groups and races in our country.
If you are a visitor to Sabah at this time you may be also able to witness many fireworks and lion dances performed by the various chinese associations. It s also a time for fun and partying for the young who look forward to receiving generous "Ang Pow" ( Cash Gifts in little red packets ) which are usually given to unmarried family members by their parents and elders.
Always a colorful and often noisy celebration, the chinese new year season marks a break from the routine and allows many to reflect on life and their nostalgic memories of the good old days..
Many chinese people in Sabah have intermarried with the local ethnic groups and so you will find a beautiful tapestry of inter racial and inter cultural people living in harmony here in Sabah.
The food you can enjoy during the chinese New Year season are also very special and usually has a blend of recipes from all the various chinese communities as well !
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