Chinese New Year in 15 Photos
The Kek Lok Si temple in Penang, Malaysia all lit up for Chinese New Year.
Chinese New Year in Penang
My wife and I have been back in Malaysia 10 days now. In that time we have been working frantically on our new visa to allow us to reside here. Without going into details – let’s just say it is complicated. Our visit has coincided with Chinese New Year. Since arriving the shops and public offices have been close for Chinese New Year. It was the worst possible time to come to work on something like a visa. Especially when you have a small window to work in. I leave Sunday to host a 10 day workshop in India. But the upside is with the offices all closed it has given me ample opportunity to get back into the city and photograph this amazing place. Oh how I have missed Penang.
I hope you enjoy some of these images.
A Buddha in the upper floor of the pagoda at the Kek Lok Si Temple, in Penang.
I found this arched doorway on the first level of the pagoda at Kek Lok Si to be a true blend of Malay (read Muslim) and Chinese architecture.
The same group of arches, but facing a different direction and thus with a different backdrop. Not as symmetrical but more colorful.
Chinese lanterns at Kek Lok Si Temple, in Penang.
More Chinese lanterns. These were hanging at Kek Lok Si, in Penang.
Kuan Yin Teng Temple or Temple of Mercy in Georgetown, Penang.
Kuan Yin Teng Temple or Temple of Mercy in Georgetown, Penang.
A view back over the city from Kuan Yin Teng Temple at sunrise.
A temple volunteer picks up the older josh sticks. He needs to leave room for the hundreds more that will be left by the worshipers to come. Early morning at Kuan Yin Teng (廣福宮/觀音亭).
A worshiper at the Kuan Yin Teng (廣福宮/觀音亭) raises his josh stick in prayer.
Lanterns in a Taoist temple near Tanjung Bungah, Penang, Malaysia.
Meet Mr Lim. A retired factory worker who now volunteers at the temple to stay busy.
One of the fun events of Chinese New Year are the Lion Dances that happen all over the city. A troop of dancers and musicians dance to give a prosperity blessing to shopkeepers in return for Aung Pow or a offering or gift.
Albert, the Chee Cheong Fun hawker, sneaks a peak at the man behind the lion mask.
