Mall showcases Hakka traditions
Tulou set-up evokes feel of ancient dwelling
GEORGE TOWN: Ample photo-taking opportunities await at the traditional Hakka Tulou set up by Queensbay Mall, Penang, for Chinese New Year.
Evoking the feel of ancient communal dwellings found in the mountainous areas of southeastern Fujian, China, it spans two levels of the central atrium.
With elements like a wishing fountain, wishing tree, a pavilion and red lanterns, it is the focal point of the mall’s Joyous Celebration of Reunion festivities.
It has been a popular backdrop among selfie hunters and photography enthusiasts since its launch in a grand ceremony recently.
Crowds were treated to a thunderous traditional drums performance, as well as traditional Qi Lin and cultural dance routines.
The God of Prosperity and other Chinese deities also made an appearance, striking poses for the crowd as representatives from local media hung up wishes on the wishing tree to mark the launch.
Selina Ng, general manager of mall management, northern region for CapitaLand Mall Asia (Malaysia), said they try to create different experiences each festive season.
“This year, we wanted to celebrate Hakka traditions. Many of the Tulous in Fujian are recognised by Unesco as world heritage sites,” she added.
A Tulou, which literally means “earthen building”, is typically several stories high and built with rammed earth walls in rectangular or circular configurations. Mostly built between the 12th and 20th centuries, each can house several hundred people.
Complementing the decorations are stalls selling traditional delicacies such as sugar-coated haw flakes, dragon’s beard candy and traditional Hakka lei cha (thunder tea rice).
Penang Hakka Association Youth assistant chairman Hoo Shyh Miin said the Hakka originally hailed from northern China, but due to conflict started moving south.
They eventually made their way to then Malaya, and some settled in Penang.
Many of the original dwellings, some dating back over 100 years, still stand in Balik Pulau.
“The Hakka came to Malaya later than other Chinese groups, and found that most of the choice occupations and housing areas had already been taken up.
“As a result, they had to work harder to succeed and settled on hillsides. This resulted in a saying that when you see a hill, you are bound to find Hakka people.
“Like the various Chinese groups, our culture has unique nuances, such as our new year being 20 days long instead of the 15 observed by others,” Hoo added.