Olden day China’s circle of life is here today
This is a tulou, a traditional residence that showcases the wisdom of the ancient Hakka community. Though its roots date back to the 15th century, one might say this concept is akin to present-day apartments, says the Federation of Hakka Associations that recreated it for Chinese New Year at a mall in Petaling Jaya.
PETALING JAYA: Members of the Federation of Hakka Associations Malaysia gathered for an early Chinese New Year celebration here in a replica of a traditional communal residence of Hakka people.
The concourse area of the Sunway Pyramid shopping mall was transformed into a multi-storey “tulou” (Mandarin for traditional communal residence).
“The tulou is a very special building which showcases the wisdom of the ancient Hakka people. It is similar to present-day apartments,” said the federation’s honorary adviser Tan Sri Ng Teck Fong.
The tulou was first constructed between the 15th and 20th century.
Traditionally, everyone living in the tulou would share the same family name.
Ng said there were several booths showcasing Chinese culture and Hakka heritage at the mall.
“The younger generation and Malaysians from different races too can learn about Hakka culture.
“Sunway Group has put in fresh ideas to showcase Chinese clan culture,” he said.
“Every year, we will gather to celebrate Chinese New Year.
“But this year, the atmosphere is livelier, thanks to the decorations here,” said the federation’s secretary-general Chen Kem Wa.
The 100 over members of the federation attending the gathering were served various traditional Hakka delicacies such as the iconic Hakka “abacus beads” (suan pan zi), Hakka lei cha rice and yong tau foo, all prepared by the federation’s women wing members.
There was also a dance as well as other Hakka performances at the event, followed by the lou sang (tossing) ceremony.
The Qilin dance was one of the highlights of the gathering.
“We usually see lion or dragon dances during the Chinese New Year.
“But the Hakka perform the Qilin dance. In Malaysia, it is commonly seen in Sabah,” Chen said.
Also known as the Chinese unicorn, the Qilin is a mythical creature with the head of a dragon, antlers of a deer, skin and scales of a fish, hooves of an ox and the tail of a lion.
The Chinese believe that the Qilin brings prosperity, serenity and an abundance of luck.
Chen said there were about 1.8 million Hakka people in Malaysia, who accounted for more than 20% of the Chinese population in the country.
Sunway Pyramid collaborated with the federation to ensure the authenticity of the decoration and culture of Hakka people to educate the public on the origins of the Malaysian Hakka community.
Sunway Malls and Theme Park CEO H.C. Chan, who is a Hakka, said Sunway City will host the 30th World Hakka Conference in October.