chingay07

chingay

The blog for IPW 2007.
HISTORY OF CHINGAY

Early as 19th century, Chingay appeared in the South East Asia at Penang. Chingay was coined from its phonetic chinese equivalent, which means 'a decorated float'. Chingay is simply an occasion where chinese styled miniature stages or floats borne on the shoulders of the performers.

These procession has the aim of honouring deities at the beginning of each year in the Lunar calendar. Chingay involves only the Chinese and religious: to honour the five dieties who watch over as guardians for each different dialect group.

With the war, Chingay in Penang quitened down and became a localised religious celebration. However, the traditions of Chingay spread further to the South of Johor. It took on a new lease of life in the sixties and became part of Chinese New Year celebrations and a three-day festivity.

The wind of Chingay blew in Singapore 12years later in 1973. Chingay was the substitution for firecrackers as firecrackers was banned by the government. Firecrackers were labelled as unsafe after an explosion killed two people. Thus, many people felt disappointed as they felt that firecrackers were the essence of the festive spirit of Chinese New Year.

In 1973, the first Chingay festival was held in Singapore after Chinese New Year. It was so well received that it became an annual event. The procession toured to many different housing estate from 1974 to 1984. The year after which, Orchard Road became the permanent venue, which attracted a wide range of tourists and Singaporeans.

While the festival Chingay disappeared in Penang, Chingay survived in Singapore. Over the years, Chingay cross the cultural boundaries, starting with indian and malay traditional dances and costume parade in 1977. Chingay soon broke the barrier of citizenship, bringing reowned artisties from foreign countries.

posted by chingay @ 11:31 PM