Business owner Angeli Choo, 55, (right) and daughter Jocelyn Teh, 27, arranging dragon-themed decorations at their shop in Rangoon Road, Penang. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT, CHAN BOON KAI and KT GOH/The Star
THE dragon, the only mythical beast in the Chinese zodiac and a symbol of power and greatness, is expected to bestow a good year to come.
With that, shops selling decorations and prayer paraphernalia have been decked with various items associated with it ahead of Chinese New Year on Feb 10.
Shop owner Kenny Lim, 39, the fourth generation of his family managing the business, said he had bought stock since last November in anticipation of the high demand.
“There is always a higher spirit of celebration for the Year of the Dragon compared to other zodiac animals,” he said.
Ooi Heoi Shan, 40, with daughters Noelle Yeoh, nine, and Nora, four, checking out dragon-inspired ornaments at a shop in Rangoon Road.
“This year, even items such as decorative garlands, lanterns and red packets feature dragons on them due to the significance of the animal, which is believed to be extra auspicious.
“Not only do people tend to buy more, they will choose any decoration featuring the dragon compared to ordinary types, although they know it cannot be reused the following year.”
Lim said customers started arriving at his shop in Lebuh Carnarvon in search of items to deck up their homes and businesses from the start of the year.
“As Chinese New Year this year falls in February, people had ample time to prepare after Christmas and New Year.
“Usually, preparations would start two weeks before the festival, but many have been thronging my shop since early January to check out the options,” he said.
Lim added that customers were also glad that the Covid-19 pandemic was over while shop owners were happy their businesses had picked up.
“I believe many are hosting gatherings, events and celebrations this year compared to previous years.
“We were still in the midst of overcoming Covid-19 during the Year of the Tiger in 2022, which is another animal believed to be powerful,” he said.
Eng Ong Heong Trading owner Teh Guan Heng, 56, whose shop is in Jalan Rangoon, George Town, said business was much better this year compared to last year thanks to “the dragon”.
“The dragon is the most popular animal among all zodiac animals.
“Despite economic constraints, business is about 50% better than last year as many are trying their best to celebrate Chinese New Year.
“Even outstation visitors started shopping for decorations since December last year,” he said, adding that the next few days leading to Chinese New Year would be busy as he had to meet customers’ orders.
Shop owner Son Jia Yi, 35, adjusting a plush dragon headgear display at her outlet along Jalan Kuala Kangsar, George Town.
In Chinese, the dragon is a symbol representing authority, prosperity and good fortune.
Those born in the Year of the Dragon are known for their captivating demeanour, distinct personality and strong leadership abilities.
One can witness the awe-inspiring sight of Penang’s longest “dragon” as it proudly graces the main entrance of Prangin Mall, captivating the public with its magnificent presence.
The “dragon” belonging to Penang Wushu, Lion and Dragon Dance Association is a remarkable 66m-long yellow, red and gold work of art.
Not only does it enchant onlookers, but also presents the public an opportunity to capture lasting memories by taking pictures with this majestic symbol of cultural significance.
Association chairman Datuk H’ng Ban Choon said he commissioned construction of the dragon in Guangzhou, China in 2016.
“I entrusted this intricate project to the most skilled artisans, and despite incurring substantial cost, I decided to make the dragon as grand and as long as the budget would allow, as in Chinese culture it represents nobility, good fortune and vitality.
“The dragon’s head, measuring an impressive 3m by 3m, requires four people to carry.
“The body, 1.5m wide, is divided into 24 segments and we need 33 people to carry it.
“This majestic dragon, reserved for special occasions, stands as testament to its grandeur and significance in ceremonial events,” he said.
H’ng added that come Feb 24, during the Chap Goh Mei procession on the last day of Chinese New Year, the dragon would take centre stage, marking a significant presence in the Year of the Wood Dragon.
“The event itself promises to be a grand spectacle, showcasing a captivating array of cultural richness,” he said.
A total of 52 floats will parade through inner city streets, casting a mesmerising aura beneath the night sky.
H’ng with the pearl that he will be carrying during the Chap Goh Meh procession involving 52 floats
“During the procession, I have the honour of carrying the flaming pearl that the dragon fervently pursues, adding an extra layer of significance to this enchanting celebration,” he said.
H’ng also highlighted the dragon’s stunning design and intricate details, making it a standout feature in the vibrant procession.
“The dragon, embodying the fusion of tradition and artistic excellence, symbolises the essence of our cultural celebration.”
This Lunar New Year has been designated as the Year of the Dragon, the fifth zodiac animal, embodying auspiciousness, fortitude and vitality.
As the story goes, the tale of the dragon unfolds in a rustic province in central China governed by a greedy emperor.
Faced with failing crops and a populace succumbing to hunger and thirst, a young boy stumbles upon a peculiar grass field that regrows each time he ploughs it.
Upon uprooting a turf, he discovers a hidden pearl. Returning home, he conceals the pearl in a sack of rice.
Surprisingly, the field withers, but the rice sack overflows with abundance.
Sharing this newfound prosperity with neighbours, word eventually reaches the emperor.
To safeguard the precious pearl, the boy ingests it, transforming into a dragon dedicated to protecting the land and its inhabitants.
The dragon is also the only mythical creature in the Chinese zodiac and its origin is steeped in a captivating narrative.
Legend has it that a heavenly gathering unfolded when the Jade Emperor undertook the task of crafting a celestial calendar and he summoned all earthly creatures to partake in a race.
The first 12 to cross the finish line would etch their indelible mark as distinguished “Chinese zodiac signs”, thus securing their esteemed position in the expansive realm of Chinese astrology.
Surprisingly the dragon failed to win and the Jade Emperor questioned why it came in fifth when it could soar through the skies.
The dragon disclosed that it was distracted upon coming across a drought-stricken village.
Displaying compassion, the dragon bestowed rain upon the parched land to rescue the imperilled settlement, before continuing the race and coming in fifth place.
