8 Unspoken Rules of CNY Gatherings All Malaysians Should Know About

Chinese New Year is almost here and most of us are probably looking forward to seeing some of our friends and relatives back in our hometowns. It’s also that time of the year where we get to visit a ton of CNY open houses near and far, eat all that delicious CNY food, and simply be jolly together (齊歡樂 qí huān lè).

Well, this year before heading out to any of these open houses, here’s a list of unspoken rules to take note of this CNY to avoid stepping on any toes:

1. Greet all your relatives and wish them a long and prosperous life, with an abundance of happiness (好開心 hao kāi xīn)

Source: botlanhuomtoc

Especially before receiving ang pows from anyone, it’s accustomed that you wish the giver before accepting the ang pow. It’s the least you can do, right!

2. When attending an open house, don’t fill your plates to the brim, leave some for others!

Source: purduepermias

You don’t want to come off as greedy in front of friends, relatives, or strangers either now do you?

Also, you can always go for seconds, if everyone else has eaten already.

3. When you see friends or family playing cards, don’t pat them on the shoulder

Source: dreambeans

It is a popular Chinese belief that a person has three flames on their bodies: one on their heads, the other two on either shoulders. By patting their shoulder, you might extinguish the flame which is believed to ward off bad luck. Jeng jeng jeng!

4. Don’t bring a plus one unless your host asks you to

Source: purduepermias

Even though it’s the perfect time and place to prove to your aunties and uncles that you finally have a significant other, never bring a plus one unless the host says it’s okay!

Most of the time, hosts only prepare just enough for the guests they’ve personally invited, so if you bring a plus one, there might not be enough food and drinks to go around, and this might make your host look bad. Your host would also be obligated to give this complete stranger an ang pow now.

5. Don’t show up empty handed

Source: singaporeflorist

Your hosts are already putting in so much effort, time and money into preparing food and entertainment for you, the least you can do is bring some small gifts for them! It’s a good and simple way to say “thank you” too.

Some common CNY gifts include mandarin oranges, pineapple tarts, bak kua, cookies and more!

6. When receiving ang pows, always use two hands

Source: star2

During CNY, it’s important to keep in mind to be at your best, most polite behaviour, because there would probably be a ton of older relatives around you and you don’t want to get lectured in front of everyone, right?

7. When someone initiates “yum seng”, don’t be a spoilsport

Source: sammytsl

Yum Seng (饮勝 yin shèng) is a popular tradition among the Chinese community, especially during wedding dinners or CNY. It’s basically the equivalent to “cheers” or “bottoms up”! In fact, in Cantonese, “yum seng” literally means drinking to victory, and it is believed that the longer you hold your “yuuuuuuum”, the more blessings will come your way!

So if anyone initiates the “yum seng” in front of you, make sure to join in! Don’t be rude.

8. If you’re the host, make sure your snacks and beers don’t run out!

Source: ProductionParadise

Paiseh if you don’t have enough to serve your guests! Although yes, buying food and drinks on Chinese New Year can be quite costly, it needs to be done!

Well, this year, to help make CNY shopping a bit more bearable, Carlsberg promises Malaysians near and far Probably The Best Shopping Experience ever! Where you shop, and Carlsberg pays!

It’s true! By shopping over the weekend at participating outlets, customers can stand a chance to have their entire trolley of groceries paid for!

Here’s how you can participate:

1. BUY – Spend a minimum of RM200 on any Carlsberg products
2. PLAY – Be entitled to one (1) swipe on “Probably The Most Victorious Game”
3. WIN – Stand a chance to win a fully paid trolley and MORE!

Check out this awesome video below to find out more about the contest:

Do take note that this contest is NOT available at all hypermarkets and supermarkets! Here’s where you can find them:

1. 27 – 28 January 2018 (12-3PM)
   • Aeon Big Batu Pahat
   • Aeon Big Ipoh Falim
   • Cold Storage Gurney Plaza Penang
   • Giant Hypermarket Plentong Johor Bahru
   • Giant Superstore IOI Bandar Puteri
2. 3 – 4 February 2018 (12-3PM)
   • Aeon Big Kepong
   • Aeon Big Subang Jaya
   • Aeon Big Sutera Mall
   • Aeon Cheras Selatan
   • Aeon Station 18

How awesome is that? You get all your drinks AND groceries paid for! Alternatively, if you don’t win a fully paid trolley, don’t worry! You stand a chance to win other awesome goodies too!

Additionally, if you want to increase your chances of winning free stuff, make sure you purchase a carton (24 X 320ml cans) or two of Carlsberg or Carlsberg Smooth Draught too!

The special code found under the red pull rings could win you a year’s supply of Carlsberg beer, Somersby Apple Cider, and more!

Find out more about Probably The Best Shopping Experience ever and how you can win more here!