THE enduring tradition of serving a whole fish during Chinese New Year (CNY) reunion dinners is steeped in symbolism. Representing the philosophy of carrying something to its successful completion, a fish with its head and tail intact signifies unity and prosperity. This cultural practice is further affirmed by the Chinese word for fish (yu), which is phonetically similar with the
word for abundance (yu).
This year, Kwai Chai Hong in KL Chinatown brought the tradition to life with “Bountiful Blessings”, an art installation inspired by the idiom Nian Nian You Yu (wishing for abundance year after year). Partnering with Bangsar Heights Pavilion, the event highlighted the joy of sharing prosperity with others.
At the heart of the installation was the Blessing Bridge, a symbolic crossing decorated with vibrant lanterns inscribed with wishes for good fortune. Visitors were welcomed with a stunning display of fish lanterns, handcrafted using traditional techniques and illuminated with energy-efficient LED lights.
