GUA MUSANG: Chinese calligraphy is one of the important elements for the Tiong Hua community as the art can be used to symbolise joy and luck, and it is hung as decorations on the left and right sides of doors or buildings while celebrating the Chinese New Year.
Liew Koon Yan, 54, said the Chinese New Year celebration would not be complete if these decorations do not adorn the walls and doors of houses, temples and premises.
Liew, a teacher at SMK Tengku Indra Petra 2, teaches the younger members of the Chinese community calligraphy every year.
"The art of calligraphy is written with Chinese ink and brush, using red paper that symbolises festivity, or brings 'ong' (luck).
"Although we are living in modern times, there are still Chinese youths, especially schoolchildren, who are keen on traditional Chinese culture and want to learn the art," he said today.
He said each word written not only symbolises their cultural art, but has a meaning and prayer that symbolises the beginning of a new spirit, and that prosperity and profit will be obtained in life.
These calligraphy writings usually have between one and seven different words.
Liew's student, Belle Ng Pui En, 12, said she learned calligraphy at the age of 5, together with her friends, Soo Yee Han and Liew Yu Xi, who are students at SJKC Gua Musang.
"Every year, the three of us volunteer to do calligraphy to hang in temple areas, indirectly training ourselves to be calm and patient to make beautiful artwork. I hope young people, especially the Chinese, will continue to preserve and learn the art of calligraphy." -- Bernama
