Melaka – On Friday afternoon (Feb 9), a 179-meter Chinese dragon was paraded around Jonker Street as part of the Chinese New Year celebrations happening in Malaysia this weekend.
The dragon replica is a magnificent lantern held aloft by 180 student volunteers from the local Malaccan Chinese school.
With a head weighing at least 60 kg and a production cost of RM500,000, the incredibly long lantern could be seen snaking its way from the one end of Jonker street to the other.
Alongside its traditional Chinese yellow and red colours, hundreds of Malaysia’s national flags were seen attached to its sides.
In addition, 1,000 large lanterns were installed at Jonker Walk by the Jonker Walk Committee to really bring the ‘ong’ (good luck) for this year’s Chinese celebration.
The Dragon has been listed in the Malaysian Book of Records
Image via NSTP/AMIR MAMAT
The dragon is now listed in the Malaysian Book of Records as the longest and largest dragon replica in the country.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was there to present the Malaysia Book of Records certificate to the replica’s sponsor, Datuk Kenni Low. Also in attendance were Malacca’s Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, and Jonker Walk chairman, Datuk Gan Tian Loo according to NST.
Many Malaysians were excited to see the Prime Minister, with thousands thronging the streets to meet and greet him during his brief 20-minute visit.
Anwar then pressed a button on the giant dragon mascot at the Melaka-China Friendship monument, releasing a shower of water to mark his official visit.
However, not all Malaysians were equally enthusiastic about the festivities.
In a Facebook video, PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari posted a clip of the dragon as it was being paraded around Melaka city, together with a caption that read:
“Perarakan naga yang cantik bersama bendera Negara China. Ini zaman kerajaan Madani, tak perlu hairan.”
When translated, “This is a beautiful dragon parade under China’s flag. Nothing strange here, we’re in the era of the Madani government after all.”
For some reason, Ahmad did not mention that there were multiple Malaysian flags present as well.
Malaysian netizens were quick to point out the off-centre remark, and 17 minutes later, the caption was changed to “Perarakan naga yang cantik bersama bendera negara China.”
The caption now reads: “A parade of a pretty dragon with the flag of China.”
Image: The Facebook post’s caption edit history.
What is the significance of Dragons in Chinese culture?
Creating this record in the Chinese Year of the Dragon holds cultural importance for Chinese Malaysians. The dragon is an ancient Chinese symbol that brings good luck and blessings.
Since this is the Year of the Dragon according to Chinese fortune telling customs, it is said that good fortune will come to people who are born in this year.
How did you celebrate Chinese New Year?
Send an email to hello@inreallife.my and you may be featured on In Real Life Malaysia.
To know what your luck will be for Year of the Dragon, read:
Year of the Dragon Predictions by Feng Shui Master Jane Hor
https://inreallife.my/your-chinese-zodiac-sign-prediction-in-2024-by-feng-shui-master-jane-hor/
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