The Chinese zodiac consists of 12 animals and this year is the Year of the Dog, which will start as soon as the Lunar New Year commences on 16 February 2018. While shopping malls and retailers would usually emphasise the particular animal on that year, there have been news of several places downplaying canines this year.
Source: MMO
However, you can still find this one place in Kuala Lumpur that proudly displays all the 12 animals in the zodiac by its front entrance. This place is none other than Central Market where they have adorned the outside of the building with 12 big lanterns for all 12 of the animals. These cute creatures light up at night and you can be rest assured that the whole set is complete, including the pig and the dog.
The Sun Daily reported that this is the first time the animal zodiac has been displayed in Central Market as they produce different decorations every year.
Source: MMO
Assistant manager of Central Market advertising and publicity division Ye Kang Xian said, “Each time when Chinese New Year is around the corner, Chinese would be paying attention to luck and fortune according to Chinese zodiac. We use these decorations for others to understand Chinese culture. This place is also a tourism spot and we are promoting diversity of our country.”
The adorable decorations went up on January 19 and if you haven’t had the chance to catch it, don’t worry because it will be up until the last day of Chinese New Year, March 2. When asked, he said that his Muslim colleagues did not mind about the dog decorations as it was part of the Chinese zodiac. That’s the way we all should be!
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
“The 12 animal zodiacs are presented as cartoon characters. Although this is the Year of Dog, we do not highlight the dog by itself. My colleagues are curious too and keen to find out more about the year they were born and which animal zodiac sign they belong to. Many also see the display as lanterns,” he added.
Central Market advertising and publicity division administrative staff Nor Fahana said that she doesn’t mind the decorations at all and since she was born in 1994, her animal zodiac is the dog. “Each animal zodiac has its significance, we are born in Malaysia and should be accommodating,” she said.
Source: Instagram
Another administrative staff, Lafanah said, “Since others can accept our tradition, why can’t we accept others?”
They’re really showing the true spirit of Malaysia! 🙂 After all, they’re just decorations!
Also read: Kind Malaysian Saves and Cares for Stray Dogs Despite Religious Taboos
