Malls in the Klang Valley all dressed up to welcome the Year of the Tiger

THE association of the colour red with Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, is said to have been brought about by the mythical monster Nian.

It is believed that the monster, which normally resided deep in the mountains, would attack the people every 365 days.

However, the ferocious beast had one big weakness — it feared the colour red.

Hence, the people came up with the brilliant idea of decking their homes with red decorations, and firing red fire crackers, to keep the monster at bay.

It was a success and from then on, people celebrated the victory as guo nian, or surviving the Nian.

Red lanterns, red spring scrolls, red drapes and assorted red ornaments are widely used to adorn houses during the Chinese New Year.

Even as the shopping malls in town get creative with their decorations, red remains the predominant colour to usher in joy, luck and prosperity.



Mid Valley Megamall

The centre court of Mid Valley Megamall has been fashioned into a blossoming lotus garden, complete with an intricate seven-tier pagoda and scholar rocks.

Gigantic red dragonflies hover above the enormous red lotus leaves and lotus flowers in full bloom, which make a beautiful backdrop for photographs.

For a taste of the rich Chinese culture, the mall has enlisted a group of skilful artisans from China to showcase their dexterity at the Spring Bazaar.

Among the art demonstrations are snuff bottle inner painting, wood-house carving, jade-carving, knotting art, paper-cutting, making of dough figurines, rainbow calligraphy, seal- engraving, portrait-drawing and even fortune-telling.

For the list of events that would staged until Feb 21, visit www.midvalley.com or call 03-2938 3333.

KL Sogo

KL Sogo is transformed into a land of vibrant red and gold this Chinese New Year.

The lanterns in red and yellow hues add to the festive atmosphere, while the long, translucent drapes hanging from high up unroll auspicious blessings for the Lunar New Year.

Flowers and flora motifs are heavily used in this year’s decoration, with rich big blooms in red and purple embellishing the shopping mall.

Beautiful plum blossom trees have also been placed strategically to complement the festivity.

For a list of Chinese New Year promo­tions, visit www.klsogo.com.my.



Sunway Giza

The newly-opened lifestyle neighbourhood mall in Kota Damansara is celebrating its first ever festival with a mini-outdoor bazaar offering Chinese New Year snacks, decorations and apparel.

The covered boulevard walkway is equipped with 12 environment-friendly electrical fans and is lit up with LEDs at night.

This fits aptly with the green theme advocated by Selangor Tourism, Consumer and Environment Committee chairman Elizabeth Wong, who launched the celebration recently.

“Red is associated with Chinese New Year but let’s remember to go green as we celebrate the festival,” she had said.

Keeping the less privileged in mind, the mall had also invited 30 children and old folks from the Lovely Nursing Home in Kelana Jaya to have fun together at the launch.

Over at the concourse area, tall stalks of pussywillow, pink and orange oval lanterns, and plum blossom lend a cheery festive touch to the mall.

Among the “roaring activities” that will be staged on weekends are Sichuan face-changing, Shanghai Trio and Chinese Acrobatic performances.

Suria KLCC

The special occasion of Lunar New Year coinciding with Valentine’s Day has prompted Suria KLCC to sprinkle romantic messages on its Chinese New Year decorations.

Its centre court is bedecked with eye-catching blooms of peony silk balls, as peonies are an omen of good fortune and happy marriage.

The bunches of red string were inspired by the Chinese folklore that the Chinese version of Cupid, Yue Lao, uses red strings to bind couples who are destined to be soulmates for eternity.

To hype up the festive mood, the mall has lined up an acrobatic lion dance performance, face-changing show, cultural dances, musical acts and martial arts performances for shoppers.

For details, visit http://suriaklcc.com.my

Sungei Wang Plaza

With the theme “Spring time Rhapsody”, Sungei Wang Plaza ushers in the Lunar New Year with replicas of tiger- and Chinese painting-inspired decorations.

As you enter the main entrance, you will see two beautifully crafted pavilions, each enclosed with red cloth draped across its rock-like structure. Rock formations and handmade pine trees are placed inside each enclosure to enrich the look.

The concourse level stage is painted in yellow, symbolising prosperity and wealth. Beautifully handcrafted Chinese pine tress are placed on stage as symbols of strength and longevity.

Life-like, life-size replicas of tigers sit handsomely on the rock platforms, which are created and positioned strategically to depict an epic Chinese wilderness landscape. Shoppers will be able to buy festive-related goods from the beautifully decorated kiosks such as silk products, paper-cutting, silk embroidery, calligraphy and painting, rainbow calligraphy, Chinese-knotting, tea, teaware, as well as take part in a fortune-telling session.

For more information, call the information counter at 03-21486109 or visit www.sungeiwang.com

South City Plaza

Several oriental ornaments are used to create the austere yet pleasant decoration at the centre court of South City Plaza.

The giant folding fans that dominate the stage are accompanied by the ubiquitous red drapes and red lanterns, which add a touch of auspiciousness.

White cages, encircled by exquisite plum blossom, on the other hand, dangle from the ceiling.

The God of Prosperity will be giving out sweets to shoppers on Feb 7 and Feb 21 for a sweet start to the brand new lunar year.

A Chinese New Year is incomplete without the uplifting and dynamic Lion Dance, and shoppers will get to enjoy the performances on Feb 7, 20 and 23, as well as a Chinese eight-drum performance on Feb 28.

For details, visit http://southcity.com.my.