For abundance of blessings: Tan choosing a ‘hu lu’ or bottle gourd for Chinese New Year eve prayers at Ayer Itam market, Penang. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: One of the major markets here is in full festive mode.
The Ayer Itam market is a happy hunting ground for shoppers looking for Chinese New Year supplies.
For instance, gymnastics coach Jessica Tan, 40, was there to get a “hu lu” (Mandarin for bottle gourd) for the Chinese New Year’s eve prayers.
The bottle gourd, she explained, was a symbol of good health, longevity, prosperity and an abundance of blessings.
Tan said she was also getting other items to be placed on the altar for prayers.
“I made a shopping list to make sure that I did not leave anything out,” she said, naming the sticky glutinous rice cake, pineapple flower, mandarin oranges, and huat kuih (prosperity cakes).
Tan, who was seen at a stall outside Ayer Itam market yesterday, said her family would be cooking at home for the reunion dinner.
“We will prepare between eight and 10 dishes. There will be 12 of us, including my sibling from Singapore, at the dinner,” she said.
“After two years of muted celebrations, I am happy and excited to meet up with my relatives and friends.”
The Covid-19 pandemic, she said, had taught her to be more appreciative of the time that she had with her loved ones.
At the market yesterday, shoppers were also crowding stalls selling raw ingredients for steamboat.
Housewife Angel Teh, 41, said she would have a reunion dinner for the five of them.
“We will be making steamboat dinner at home as we are not comfortable bringing my baby to public places. He is still too young,” she said.
Her next plan is to visit her parents on the second day of Chinese New Year.
“Most of my relatives are in Penang, so we will definitely be on our visiting rounds,” she added.
“There will be a lot of catching up to do as most of us have not seen each other in the last two years.”
A 70-year-old housewife, who wished to be known as Liew, was happily shopping for food items at the market with her granddaughter.
“I decided to bring her to the market so that she can experience the Chinese New Year atmosphere,” she said.
Liew said she bought some ingredients for a steamboat reunion dinner, including broccoli, which is her granddaughter’s favourite.
“I also bought some vegetables and noodles for the first day of Chinese New Year, as we usually go vegetarian on that day,” she said.
Liew said she was excited as all her children and grandchildren, aged between two and eight, would be home for the Lunar New Year.
Meanwhile, councillor Rohaizat Hamid noted that the market was packed with shoppers who came as early as 6am.
“The Ayer Itam market has been busy for the past week.
“The situation is under control as we have Penang Island City Council enforcement officers on duty,” he said.
