Keeping traditions alive this CNY
TO mark the end of a fruitful year, Sunway Putra Mall celebrates the Lunar New Year with splendid decorations, delightful offerings and exciting activities from now to Feb 25.
Typically, Sunway Malls have distinctive takes on the festivities with the unifying theme of keeping the traditions alive.
Customs and rituals are an integral part of the occasion where the younger generation should be taught about the importance of culture, humble beginnings and be proud of their roots.
Sunway Putra Mall’s Lunar New Year is themed “Wind of Blessing”. The mall is transformed into a “Garden of Eternal Blessings” with a mandarin orange orchard adorned with pinwheels, lanterns and a traditional pagoda.
In Chinese folklore, the pinwheel, or feng che ,isa traditional toy that reverses a person’s luck, turning obstacles into opportunities.
Pinwheels can be elaborate and are used during the Lunar New Year.
Shoppers can stroll among the garden, take in the green landscape and enjoy the gentle scent of citrus along the pathway.
There is also a rustic wooden bridge over a man-made stream surrounded with mandarin orange trees – perfect for photo opportunities.
A complimentary photo booth area is also available throughout the period for shoppers to use.
According to Sunway Putra Mall’s general manager Phang Sau Lian, “To keep the Chinese traditions alive, we have included several elements to be part of the mall’s decorations.”
She explained that mandarin oranges or kam signify gold and with the mandarin orange trees and pinwheels decked around the mall, they hope to spread bountiful blessings and prosperity to shoppers.
“Besides, we have also arranged a free Arts and Craft Workshop where kids can discover the finesse of Chinese culture,” said Phang.
Also in the garden is a Wishing Tree, where shoppers can toss their wishes for someone special.
Wishes are made on a card attached to a ribbon tied to a coin and thrown onto the tree for it to dangle.
The mall will then choose to fulfil selected wishes. Visitors can also wander into the Flower Market by Green Pasture, found at the Main Concourse for bamboos, orchids, cherry blossoms and other blooms.
To liven up homes, head to Vel Art for traditional calligraphies. Other festive essentials include Cotton & Sago (Batik Cheong Sam & Craft), Tang-Gu (Cheong Sam), Yusa Cookies (cookies & hamper), Young Living (essential oil), SSF (home decor) and more at the Spring Bazaar located at the East Wing.
There are great deals and offers at RM8 at Max Fashion, The Chicken Rice Shop, Sepiring, Dubuyo, Friends of Burger, Swensen’s, i:Don, iCare Dental and more.
Or head over to Mei Shi Zhuang (ERE) at Level 3 for authentic Chinese dishes; shoppers can choose either Lan Je Steamed Fish, Little Hot Wok or Kim Lian Kee.
Shoppers can also look forward to attractive redemptions from the mall. By spending RM200 (RM100 for HSBC Credit Cardholders) in three receipts, shoppers can redeem a set of “All Seasons Prosperity Ang Pow”.
While those spending RM350 (RM250 for HSBC Credit Cardholders) in three receipts can redeem a set of the “Reunion Dining Set”.
Those who newly signed up with HSBC credit cards are entitled to receive an exclusive “Body Shop Gift Set”.
Performances and activities during the festive season will feature the ubiquitous lion dance to heart-thumping beats of Chinese drums on selected days at 5pm.
Shoppers may also meet the cheongsam-clad Lady of Prosperity and receive shopping vouchers and DIY pinwheel sets, as she pushes a bicycle from the mandarin orange garden during a walkabout.
Kids can express their creativity in a free Arts and Craft workshop in calligraphy, paper folding, paper cutting and stone painting, on selected days from 3pm to 4pm.
These activities also help introduce the younger generation to the Chinese folk culture.
■ Contact 03-2786 9333 or visit www.sunwayputramall.com for details on the “Wind of Blessings”. Go to Sunway Putra Mall Facebook at www.facebook.com/ sunwayputramall, its Instagram at Sunway_Putramall and Twitter at Sun_Putramall.