Chap Goh Meh – The Night of Romance

A fascinating Chap Goh Meh story tells the tale of a lonely young bachelor, who during an outing on this moonlit night, was suddenly enchanted when he caught a glimpse of the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. Intrigued by this exquisitely delicate beauty in all her finery, he wondered about her identity. With excitement pounding in his heart, the hopeful young man swiftly jotted down her car's number. The following morning, driven by enthusiasm, he sought her address and eagerly asked his mother to send a matchmaker to the home of the girl he envisioned marrying.
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Sri Mariamman, the temple of an ancient goddess

Penang has a large community of Indians, broadly divided into those from the North (Bengalis, Sindhis, Gujerati, etc.) and the South (Tamils). It is not surprising then that the Penang landscape is dotted with Hindu temples, from the large and ornate to the unostentatious makeshift huts and lean-to's.
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Bernard Lim – a friend, a brother, a blessing

Bernard Lim Peng Aunn (right) holding up the custom photo book I designed for him in 2017.
On 26 January 2025, Bernard called me while I was busy making thau chang kuih (ribbon biscuits) for Chinese New Year. He was at the stunningly lit Kek Lok Si Temple that evening with a few sisters from the Little Sisters of the Poor, hoping to enter the pagoda – but it was closed to the public. Of course, I could not help him with that, but what mattered was hearing his familiar, jovial voice. He sounded full of life, his laughter warm and genuine, as always. Little did I know, that would be our last conversation.
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The legend of the ferocious beast called Nian

In Mandarin, the word "Nian" translates to "year". Yet, according to legend, Nian was far more than a mere symbol of time's passage. It was a fearsome, mythical creature that struck terror into the hearts of people during the New Year, so menacing that it threatened the very existence of humanity. Nian is said to have roamed the land in ancient China, during a time known as shànggǔ (roughly translated as "a very long time ago").
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Ang pow, a red packet of prosperity and blessings

More than just a monetary gift, the ang pow (or ang bao) is a cultural symbol wrapped in a red envelope, a gesture of goodwill and blessings. Traditionally given during Chinese New Year, birthdays, weddings and other festive occasions, the red packet carries deep meaning and continues to hold significance today.
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George Town World Heritage Site: The story of the Chinese in nineteenth-century Penang
By Mark Thompson and Karl Steinberg with photographs by Adrian Cheah

Walk between two of George Town’s most famous landmarks with this illustrated guide. Discover the story of the Chinese in nineteenth-century Penang and explore some of the community’s fascinating characters, customs, architecture and events.
For as long as it has existed, George Town in Penang has attracted travellers and settlers from across the globe and is a true confluence of cultures. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site continues to enchant visitors with its traditional charm and its well-preserved historical townscape.
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