Bountiful Blessings 年年有余, Kwai Chai Hong Shares The Joy Of Giving Abundance This CNY

If you’ve ever wondered why Chinese families insist on serving a fish dish with its head and tail intact during Chinese New Year reunion dinners, it is because a ‘whole fish’ reflects the philosophy of carrying through something to its successful completion, from head to toe (tail).

This practice pays homage to age-old customs of ushering in the new year, where the word “fish” in Chinese (yu 鱼), shares phonetic similarity with the word for “abundance”, yu (余). “A whole fish at the reunion dinner table represents an abundance of blessings, prosperity, and fortune, shared among loved ones to reflect unity and hope for surplus in the year ahead. The size of the fish is also seen as a reflection of the blessings to come. The bigger, the better!” said Zeen Chang, Managing Partner of Bai Chuan Management.

This New Year, Kwai Chai Hong, together with its sponsor Bangsar Heights Pavilion (BHP), honours these meaningful customs with Malaysians through an immersive art installation, Bountiful Blessings (年年有余), inspired by the cherished Chinese idiom, Nian Nian You Yu. The theme offers visitors a cultural journey into the heart of generosity and sharing abundances with people.

Rooted in Chinese tradition, Nian Nian You Yu (年年有余) translates to “Wishing an Abundance Year After Year.” The idiom carries a poetic duality where both yu (余), and yu (鱼), both are used interchangeably. This phonetic connection is often interpreted as “Wishing for Fish Year After Year,” which has made fish an enduring symbol of good fortune and prosperity, featured prominently in Chinese New Year customs.

“For generations, the idiom Nian Nian You Yu, has encapsulated the hope for abundance in all aspects of blessings for oneself. However, for this year, Kwai Chai Hong’s theme is centered on “sharing” that abundance with others, the joy of giving more,” added Chang.

A Journey Through Bountiful Blessings (年年有余)
Visitors will begin their journey at the entrance of Kwai Chai Hong. The Blessing Bridge (滿祝桥), a symbolic crossing is adorned with vibrant lanterns inscribed with well-wishes and good fortune. Named after the combination of 满足 (contentment) and 祝福 (blessings), the Blessing Bridge (滿祝桥) invites visitors to pause and reflect with gratitude as they step into the heart of the installation.

A spectacle to behold, visitors crossing the bridge are greeted with a breathtaking display of glowing fish lanterns, each handcrafted using traditional techniques with a modern twist. Made with intricate metal frames and illuminated with energy-efficient LED lights, the fish lanterns represent the harmony between heritage and innovation, Kwai Chai Hong’s signature approach to cultural preservation.

Fish lanterns have long been part of Chinese cultural heritage, celebrating abundance, resilience, and hope. Initially used during festivals like the Lantern Festival, it was later incorporated as a staple symbol in New Year celebrations. Artisans handcraft these lanterns, often passing skills down through generations, which qualifies them as part of China’s intangible cultural heritage recognised by UNESCO.

Commenting on the deep cultural significance of the fish lanterns, Aaron Yap, CEO & Executive Director of BHP said, “We have always been fascinated by how Kwai Chai Hong continuously honour Chinese traditions, and we are thrilled to be co-hosting this year’s meaningful installation. This collaboration aligns with our philosophy to create sustainable investments that deliver lasting value while celebrating and enhancing the heritage of the communities we touch. More than a festive celebration, Bountiful Blessings 年年有余 embodies our hope to share the joy of giving abundantly, spreading prosperity to everyone. By reimagining traditionally crafted Fish Lanterns with the addition of modern portable lights, we honour the richness of Chinese culture while ensuring its relevance for future generations. This resonates deeply with BHP’s approach to blending heritage with innovation, creating meaningful experiences that inspire connection and gratitude.”

In addition to admiring the stunning visuals, visitors can collectively participate in a symbolic and unique Fish Lantern Parade (鱼你同行) around Kwai Chai Hong in the evening. Carrying these radiant creations, visitors can become part of the living tradition, celebrating gratefulness and the spirit of sharing one’s blessings.

“We aim to bring this beautiful tradition to life through an immersive installation that connects visitors to its cultural significance of surplus and generosity while making it relatable to all Malaysians. Beyond their artistic appeal, parading with lanterns also symbolises the enduring wish to welcome a prosperous year by warding off negative energy and bad luck.

We extend our appreciation to BHP for their support and sponsorship. Their unwavering passion for the preservation of heritage, and the joy of sharing it with the next generation has made a valuable contribution to the success of this installation,” Chang concluded.

The Bountiful Blessings (年年有余) installation will be open to the public from 10 January to 16 February 2025, from 9AM to 12AM. The Fish Lantern Parade (鱼你同行) will take place on 11 & 18 January (Saturday), at 7PM departing from the gates of Kwai Chai Hong.

In conjunction with the installation, visitors can also explore the Happy Fish Weekend Marketplace, (鱼乐年坊), which is open from 9AM to 6PM, on 11 & 12 January (Saturday and Sunday), and 18 & 19 January (Saturday and Sunday).

The Kwai Chai Hong invites all Malaysians to celebrate the timeless wishes of Nian Nian You Yu and discover the 10 amazing eateries in the area.