| The word "Chingay" has been variously translated as | | | | Pesta Festival to promote tourism, which included a |
| meaning "the artistry of make-up and costuming", "a | | | | Chingay procession. From 1970 onward, the Penang |
| Chinese decorated float" and "a sort of stage borne | | | | State Government took over the organising of the |
| on the shoulders of men, on which is a gorgeous | | | | Pesta Festival and the Chingay procession remained |
| representation of some historical scene". | | | | the highlight of the celebration. That year, it was also |
| At first glance, there might appear to be considerable | | | | decided that the festival be held on Christmas Day. In |
| discrepancies among these translations but they are | | | | 1975, Penang Chingay Association was formally |
| not so very far apart, really, and as they are all derived | | | | registered, which contributed to the development of |
| from the same Chinese characters, it would seem that | | | | the festival. Since then, Chingay troupes from Penang |
| the only difference is one of interpretation. Certainly, all | | | | have performed in several foreign countries on many |
| three are apt descriptions of the Chingay procession | | | | occasions. |
| which takes place annually on Christmas Day on | | | | The origins of Chingay can be traced more than 2,000 |
| Penang island in Malaysia. | | | | years ago to the town of Lang Chung Hsien on the |
| The Chingay is a riotously colourful spectacle that | | | | Chia-Ling River in central Szechuan, where parades of |
| winds its way through the streets of Georgetown, a | | | | both unknown as well as mythical animal figures were |
| UNESCO heritage city; and Malaysia, being a | | | | held on festive occasions. |
| multicultural country, has combined elements of Malay | | | | The founder of the Han Dynasty (206 B.C. to 220 |
| and Indian cultures into what is basically a Chinese | | | | A.D.), in recruiting soldiers from the area for his military |
| affair. Traditional Chinese amusements such as | | | | campaigns, learned of these parades and was so |
| big-headed dolls, stilt-walkers, acrobats and tumblers | | | | impressed with them that eventually, he included them |
| alternate with pom-pom girls, Malay and Indian | | | | among the entertainment given at the Han Emperor's |
| traditional dancers; all of which combined with | | | | court. The most spectacular of these were the "fish |
| decorated floats, marching bands, gaudy costumes, | | | | and dragon procession" held at the time of the lunar |
| and the brilliant make-up of the participants into a | | | | new year. |
| kaleidoscope parade to make for a shutterbug's field | | | | The new year celebrations began with an early |
| day. | | | | morning audience by the Emperor in the main hall of |
| The Chingay apparently first appeared in Penang in | | | | the palace, during which thousands of officials, vassal |
| 1880 to celebrate the "Welcome of Spring"; in fact, | | | | kings, and other tributaries prostrated themselves |
| some historians claim that it was celebrated even | | | | before him as an expression of allegiance. Lavish gifts |
| before the arrival of Francis Light, the British sailor, in | | | | were then presented to the Emperor and imperial |
| 1786. At that time, the main elements were giant | | | | rewards bestowed, after which, drinking, and |
| triangular flags and lanterns. The length of each flag | | | | merry-making followed, while outside "fish and dragon |
| was about eight metres and hoisted on bamboo poles | | | | processions" were held. |
| each ranging from eight to ten metres. Each flag and | | | | Malaysia's Chingay has both an animal and people |
| pole weighed about 28 kilogrammes! Men with thickly | | | | content. The list of entertainment varies from year to |
| painted faces and garbed in elaborate costumes | | | | year but there are some traditional items which are |
| balanced them on various parts of their anatomy such | | | | always present and without which Chingay would be |
| as the shoulders, forearm and stomach. During the | | | | incomplete: the mischievous big-headed dolls; the |
| pre-war years, the processions were mainly religious, | | | | stilt-walkers; the acrobats and tumbers; and the floats |
| such as to celebrate the birthday of a deity such as | | | | with tableaux from Chinese operas. By way of |
| the Goddess of Mercy. Later years saw competing | | | | contrast, there may be also baton twirlers, trick cyclists, |
| troupes from Chinese associations adding a variety of | | | | Disney cartoon characters and even hip-hop dancers. |
| attractions such as floats pulled by donkeys, with | | | | The procession may also include a Malay kompang |
| beautiful girls sitting atop. After World War II, the | | | | group, or a silat troupe. There may also be dancing |
| Chingay spread to Johor, the southernmost state of | | | | fairies, Indian Bharata Natyam dancers, or even a |
| peninsula Malaysia. The processions underwent a | | | | Punjabi Bhangra. Also included may be brass and |
| transformation, with floats being carried on lorries, and | | | | school bands; Chinese orchestras; displays of tai chi or |
| even saw the participation of decorated trishaws. The | | | | kung fu; slapstick characters; lion dancers; flower girls; |
| celebrations eventually spilled over to Singapore, which | | | | sing-song girls; representations of the twelve animal |
| held its first Chingay in 1972. | | | | signs that make up the Chinese zodiac, or even a |
| Penang's early Chingay processions were organised | | | | fire-breathing dragon. In short, it's Chingay, and at the |
| informally by clan associations and Chinese temples. In | | | | end of several exhausting hours, you will certainly be |
| 1966, the Penang Municipal Council organised the 1st | | | | charmed and thrilled to the hilt. |