KUALA LUMPUR: Ever wonder why the Chinese would not sweep the floor of their houses during the Chinese New Year period?
While most would already know the answer, those who don't, especially among the non-Chinese, can thank Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman's efforts to foster better understanding about the Chinese culture.
In a video on his Facebook page, the former youth and sport minister issued a 'Chinese New Year' Challenge to content creator Low Sok Ying, during which she had to answer five questions on the celebration in 50 seconds.
For the first question, the Muar member of parliament and Muda president asked why no one would wear black clothes during the celebration.
Low said black clothes were usually associated with funerals so it is taboo to wear them during a celebration.
Syed Saddiq (SS): Second question; why don't the Chinese sweep the floor during the festive season?
Low (LSY): If you sweep the floor, all the 'ong' (good luck) will be swept away. Tak ong (unlucky).
SS: But you have to clean the house?
LSY: You do it before the Chinese New Year.
SS: OK. Question number three, why do you have to wake up early during the period (for the Chinese New Year celebration)?
LSY: If you wake up late, you will become lazy for the rest of the year. So, if you don't want to end up being lazy, wake up early.
SS: Question 3A (since the Chinese believe that four is an unlucky number), why do you give angpow?
LSY: To me? Because I am still not married. Right?
SS: OK, technically you are right. Question five, why do you say Gong Xi Fa Chai?
LSY: Say it once again.
SS: Gong Xi Fa Chai.
LSY: Thank you.
SS: But why do you say it?
LSY: It is to congratulate someone.
SS: I thought it meant 'Hope you would get rich'.
LSY: No, it is a congratulatory message.
Syed Saddiq ended the video by wishing the viewers Happy Chinese New Year and Gong Xi Fa Chai.
The video has received more than 15,000 likes and shared more than 1,000 times.
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