ARTS AND CULTURE INFORMATION GATEWAY
Immerse yourself in the colorful world of art and culture! From traditional heritage to contemporary works, discover uniqueness that reflects the nation's identity and identity
No.1 Jalan Selendang, Daerah Timur Laut, 11600 Pulau Pinang
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Introduction and history
Chingay is a street art culture originating from China and has now become a distinctive cultural art form in the state of Penang. Chingay is a type of parade showcasing the skill of carrying and balancing Chingay flags as tall as 40 feet and colorful triangular flags measuring at least 25 feet by 15 feet each, attached to 40-foot-long wooden poles.The first Chingay parade in Penang took place in 1919, in conjunction with the birthday celebration of the Compassionate Deities, organized by market traders, the Chinese community, and other Chinese sub-communities. At that time, they carried Chingay flags and the shrine of the Compassionate Deities around George Town. They paraded while praying to the Compassionate Deities to protect their community from an ongoing epidemic.The second parade occurred in 1926 to celebrate the birthday of the Generous Deity, while the third parade was held in 1957 to commemorate the anniversary of the George Town City Council.
-In terms of belief, this culture is a form of respect for the deities.
-It coincides with the celebration of the Chinese deities' birthdays.
-It preserves the culture and beliefs of the Chinese ethnic group.
-It showcases the art and skill of balancing flags in the parade.
-Acrobatically, the dragon and lion dances are performed in a unique way.
-It symbolizes the unity of the Chinese community and, today, the unity of Malaysian society.
-In 2025, Chingay will have been established in Penang for 106 years.
-The Chingay Parade was also recognized as a National Cultural Heritage of Malaysia in 2012.
-Men wear red pants and a white shirt,
-Tying a red cloth around their heads.
-Today, the Chingay parade costumes have been given a contemporary touch and designed with various colors.
-Flag
-40-foot wooden pole
-Boxes and fabric to make lion and dragon puppets
The performers who will balance the giant flags, ranging from 25 to 32 feet (7.6 to 9.8 meters) in size and weighing approximately 60 pounds (27 kilograms), are the highlight of the Chingay parade. What makes this Chingay parade unique is the skill of the Chingay groups in performing acrobatics, such as carrying the flag poles using their limbs, including their feet and mouths. The Chingay parade also features decorated vehicles, complemented by fireworks displays and martial arts performances, along with musical instruments used during the lion and dragon dances.
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Reference Source
i. Bahan Bacaan: https://www.heritage.gov.my/images/04_wtk/WTK_UNESCO/CAW%20SENI%20PERSEMBAHAN/CHINGAY%20-BM.pdf
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/08/31/in-first-for-malaysia-chingay-procession-appears-at-2024-national-day-parade/148772#google_vignette
https://www.hmetro.com.my/mutakhir/2024/11/1159665/pulau-pinang-calon-kebaya-nyonya-chingay-dalam-senarai-unesco#google_vignette
https://cm.penang.gov.my/index.php/en/all-stories/362848-pesta-chingay-tarian-singa-dan-naga-pulau-pinang-2023
https://www.bernama.com/bm/am/news.php?id=2368239
Location
State JKKN Contact Information
Zurairi bin Hanip
Cultural Officer
Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara, Pulau Pinang
Kompleks Pustaka Warisan Seni,
Lot No. 2180 Lintang P. Ramlee,
Off Jalan P.Ramlee
10460 PULAU PINANG
04-281 7791 /7792
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