Gong Xi! Gong Xi! Each year leading up to the festive Chinese New Year season, we practise traditions and customs, paired with getting new items and experiences to bring good luck and fortune.

As we welcome the Year of the Dragon, let's look at the significance behind each ritual, as well as some ideas that we’ve put together including festive décor, auspicious gifts and delicious dining suggestions for family reunions at Pavilion Bukit Jalil.

Spring Cleaning Before the New Year

Cleaning during Chinese New Year is discouraged to avoid "sweeping away'' good luck from your home. This originated in the Qin Dynasty, where families cleaned their homes thoroughly together before the traditional Chinese New Year Eve Reunion dinner and to welcome the new year.

Today, we can save time with the convenience that technology brings, making cleaning and reorganising faster, and easier with loved ones - from smart robot vacuum cleaners with laser and gyroscope mapping, organising accessories to festive soft furnishing and decorative statement pieces.

Locations:

Festive Decoration from Parkson: Level 2, 3, and 4, Pink Zone
Robomate Visual 360+ from MORSE: Level 4, Orange Zone
Xiaomi Smart Robot from MI: Level 4, Orange Zone
Furniture from OMG Home: Level 4, Orange Zone

Red, the Colour of Protection, Luck and Joy

The colour red holds immense significance in Chinese culture, rooted in the mythology of Nian. According to the legend, a lion-like mythical beast with horns (nian) would terrorise villagers until they discovered its fear of the colour red. To ward off this mythical beast, villagers dressed in red and used red papers and firecrackers. This became tradition during Chinese New Year, symbolising protection, luck, and joy.

In contemporary Chinese culture, red is associated with joy, prosperity, and positive energy, making it a central theme in celebrations, clothing, and decorations. Aside from qipaos a.k.a cheongsams and samfus, you can elevate your outfit with hues of bright red from make-up, accessories to footwear and more! To bring this auspicious energy home, choose furniture, appliances, and decor in varying shades of red.

Locations:

Samfu from Oriental Noble: Level 2, Pink Zone
Couch from Harvey Norman: Level 1, Pink Zone
Powermatte High-Intensity Lip Pencil in Cruella from NARS Cosmetics: Level 3, Orange Zone
Dress from MANGO: Level 3, Orange Zone
Shoes from Michael Kors: Level 3, Orange Zone

Heng ah! Ong ah! Huat ah!

These auspicious phrases resound as we engage in the tradition of tossing yee sang, a vibrant raw-fish salad widely available during the festivities. Did you know that the modern-day yee sang originated right here in Malaysia?

In the 1940s, Loke Ching Fatt (current Transport Minister Anthony Loke’s granddad), brought yee sang all the way from China to Seremban. Amidst Malaya’s recovery from World War II, Loke introduced the Lo Hei Yee Sang, a dish inspired by Ren Ri (??), the seventh day of Chinese New Year. Yee sang is more than just a dish; every condiment and colour has a meaning of its own. For example, crackers symbolise opportunities, sesame seeds represent laughter, peanuts signify prosperity, lime juice brings good luck, and plum sauce sweetens the path to a delightful life ahead. Gather your loved ones at any of the Chinese restaurants at Pavilion Bukit Jalil to toss yee sang for an unforgettable celebration rooted in tradition.

Locations:

Dragon-i: Level 1, Orange Zone
Grandmama’s: Level 1, Orange Zone
Grand Harbour: Level 5, Orange Zone
PUTIEN, Level 5, Orange Zone
Sushi Zanmai, Level 5, Pink Zone

Nian Nian You Yu (Abundance Year After Year)

Fish symbolises wealth in Chinese folklore where an abundance of fish in the waters signifies a bountiful harvest forthcoming. Fish is incorporated into meals for abundance in the year ahead. In coastal areas of China where fishing is the major source for most families, flipping the fish over is like capsizing the fishing boat.

Usher in the new year at restaurants where fish takes centre stage. Simmered in savoury broths with recipes over two decades old, these steamed fish dishes promise to be the highlight of your lunar new year.

P.S. Remember to pick out the bones instead of flipping over the fish.

Locations:

Xi Yu Restaurant: Level 3, Orange Zone
Siong Tong Gai: Level 5, Pink Zone
Xiangshan Fish Steamboat: Level 4, Pink Zone
Lee’s Signature Fish: Level 4, Orange Zone
Mr Fish, Fish & Seafood Noodle: Level 1, Pink Zone

A Yummy Symbol of Wealth

Dumplings symbolise wealth and prosperity due to their resemblance to bags of money. This popular dish involves a meticulous cooking process, making it an ideal activity for quality time with family.

Picture shared laughter while kneading dough, preparing flavourful filling(s), folding dumplings, to finally steaming or frying them to perfection. If you prefer to skip the cooking but still want to enjoy an array of delicious dumplings, try these yummy recommendations!

Locations:

Grand Harbour: Level 5, Orange Zone
Dragon-i: Level 1, Orange Zone
Din Tai Fung: Level 1, Orange Zone
Manjoe: Level 1, Orange Zone
B.O.D: Level 1, Orange Zone

A Burst of Good Luck and Fortune

Originating from Southern China, the tradition of giving mandarin oranges is known as “song gam” in Cantonese. Coincidentally, it also means “giving gold”, a symbol of conferring prosperity and well wishes to the recipient.

To infuse these golden fruits into festivities, try serving them to your guests or spritz yourself with the sweet scent before going for festive visits.

Locations:

Mandarin oranges from The Food Merchant: Level 1, Orange Zone
Orange Blossom cologne from Jo Malone London: Level 3, Orange Zone
Full Orange Blossom Eau de Parfum from The Body Shop: Level 3, Orange Zone

Gemstones for Luck and Peace

Gemstones have long been used as symbols of luck, joy, peace, and prosperity. Wearing gemstones that complement your aura could very well bring good luck and fortune in the coming year.

If you’re looking to send a thoughtful gift to your loved ones, here’s a curated list of gemstones that would complement their Chinese zodiac:

Year of the Dragon - Amethyst

Year of the Snake - Opal

Year of the Horse - Topaz

Year of the Goat - Emerald

Year of the Monkey - Peridot

Year of the Rooster – Citrine

Year of the Dog - Diamond

Year of the Pig - Ruby

Year of the Rat - Garnet

Year of the Ox - Aquamarine

Year of the Tiger - Sapphire

Year of the Rabbit - Pearl

Locations:

Lucky Gems: Level 5, Orange Zone
Dzi Kingdom: Level 4, Pink Zone

Celebrate BIG Prosperity this festive season

Embrace the spirit of abundance with Pavilion Bukit Jalil’s ‘Big Prosperity Celebration’ to usher in the new year. For a touch of good luck, the Dragons of Prosperity are set to fill Pavilion Bukit Jalil with joy and bestow blessings of health, wealth, and success onto shoppers.

Capture the perfect moment as you strike a pose with the nine charming baby dragons and receive boundless blessings. Don’t forget to also hang your most cherished wishes for more blessings this year and share the joy with your loved ones at the Pavilion Wishes Tree.

Shoppers can also browse through a variety of booths set up at the CNY Marketplace at the Centre Court on Level 2 while being accompanied by the adorable dragons, leading us toward a year of auspicious new beginnings and endless possibilities! Bond with family and friends while you shop, take photos, and make memories worth cherishing in the Year of the Dragon.

For more information, head over to the Pavilion Bukit Jalil website at www.pavilion-bukitjalil.com, or check for real-time updates via Facebook, Instagram, or contact Customer Service at +603-8092 8833.

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