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Morning Spectacle: Dragon & Lion Dance at Sheraton Hotel Kuching Celebrates Hokkien New Year
Kuching, Sarawak – The Sheraton Hotel Kuching came alive with cultural vibrancy on the morning of 6th February 2025 as the Chinese Martial Art Association Kuching (CMAA) performed a stunning Big Dragon and High Pole Lion Dance performance. The event, led by Team Captain Nelson Nguang and CMAA President Lim Chester Hian Thoong, took place at 9:09 AM, marking the start of the 9th Day of Chinese New Year (CNY) 2025, a day of great significance for the Hokkien community.
The performance was a visual feast, with the dragon and lion dances symbolizing good fortune, prosperity, and the warding off of evil spirits. The event attracted a diverse audience, including Sheraton Hotel Kuching’s management, invited guests, hotel residents, and tourists, all eager to witness this unique cultural celebration.
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Why 9:09 AM and the 9th Day?
The 9th Day of Chinese New Year, known as “Chor Gow,” holds special meaning for the Hokkien people. Historically, the Hokkien community in Fujian, China, faced invasions during the Lunar New Year. Legend has it that they sought refuge in sugarcane plantations on the 9th day of the Lunar month and were miraculously saved. To honor this event, the Hokkien community celebrates the 9th Day with prayers, offerings, and cultural performances.
The timing of the event at 9:09 AM is symbolic. In Chinese culture, the number 9 is considered auspicious, representing longevity and eternity. The double nines (9th day at 9:09 AM) amplify this symbolism, making it a perfect moment to kick off the celebrations.
Hokkien New Year Traditions
For the Hokkien community, the 9th Day is even more significant than the first day of Chinese New Year. It is a day to give thanks to the Jade Emperor, the supreme ruler of Heaven, for his divine protection. Offerings include roast meats, fruits, traditional cakes like ang ku kueh and huat kueh, and sugarcane stalks. The sugarcane, a key symbol of the celebration, represents resilience, growth, and unity.
The morning event at Sheraton Hotel Kuching was a reflection of these traditions. The dragon and lion dances, performed with precision and energy, brought the Hokkien New Year spirit to life. The vibrant colors, rhythmic drumming, and acrobatic moves left the audience in awe.
A Celebration of Culture and Unity
The CMAA’s performance was not just a display of cultural heritage but also a reminder of Sarawak’s multicultural harmony. The event brought together people from different backgrounds to celebrate a tradition that has been passed down through generations.
As the dragon and lion danced under the morning sun, the message was clear: the Hokkien New Year is a time to honor the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to a prosperous future. The Sheraton Hotel Kuching, with its commitment to promoting cultural diversity, provided the perfect setting for this memorable celebration.