Chinese

The Chinese in Malaysia are descended from the labourers and traders from China who came to Malaya then to seek a better livelihood. The Chinese make up only 35 percent of the population and most of them are into business. The majority of Chinese are Taoist Buddhists and their faith is evident from the numerous temples around the country.

Festivals/Celebration

The Chinese are well known for their festivals as it is part of their culture. The four main celebrations of the Chinese include Chinese New Year, "Cheng Beng", Dumpling Festival and Moon Cake Festival. Chinese New Year is the celebration of the new year according to the Chinese lunar calendar. The highlight of this celebration will be the reunion dinner on the eve of the celebration where every member of the family sits down at the same table to have dinner. Those working or staying elsewhere will make it a point to come home for dinner on that day.

The Chinese celebrate Chinese New Year on a grand scale. During this time you can get to see lion dance and dragon dance troupes performing to the delight of children. The Chinese give out 'red packets' to children as a sign of prosperity. The colour red is believed to bring prosperity.