Tag Archives: luxury hotels Indonesia

Chinese New Year Celebrations in Indonesia – A Colourful Celebration of the Gift of Life

Posted on by

As the rest of the world watches on enchanted, the colour, the glory and the rhythm of the celebrations of the Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival begin with the new moon, and continues in its charming glory for 15 festive days. Here the dearly departed are fondly remembered and honoured, family ties are strengthened, relationships renewed, household gods worshipped and all evil is swept away.

Long long ago, as the folk lore describes, the horrifying monster of ‘Nian’ that held captive the villagers of China in its fearsome grip, was confronted by an old man, whose wise words drove the dreaded beast in to the deep dark jungle, freeing the people from their worst fear. So great was the gladness that the celebrations of this wonderful rescue continue still amongst the Chinese scattered around the world on this New Year day. ‘Nian’ is believed to be scared away by the red paper decorations that adorn the doors of the Chinese still, on New Year’s Day.

Wonderful traditions are followed and observed during this festival, where each ritual is interestingly symbolizing a unique belief. Thorough house cleaning done to drive away evil spirits festering in dark corners, exotic food carrying symbolic meaning or flowers symbolizing rebirth and new growth are exchanged amongst families. The New Year is welcomed at the house of the eldest in the family where offerings are made to the household gods and ancestral tables to honour the departed are set up.

Beautiful family times are enjoyed at brightly lit houses until midnight skies are torn by the scintillating magic of the fire crackers while the deafening happy sound would drive away the ‘Nian’ should he be lurking around. The young and the old clothe themselves in brand new red apparel and visit friends and family near and far while food and snacks that bring good fortune are savoured as much as the golden family times. Traditional Barongsai or the Lion Dance is also performed with pomp and blare, most often at private parties and gatherings in Indonesia.

This grand festival can be experienced in all its colour and glamour along with many other attractions of the country, in the sheer comfort of the luxury hotels Indonesia is rich with. Hotels to suit any budget can be found in Indonesia. 5 star hotels such as the Starwood Indonesia provide best in class services to visitors all year round.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

New Year Celebrations in Indonesia, a festive extravaganza

Posted on by

Just like other people around the globe, Indonesians welcome the New Year with great joy and festivity. The excitement naturally begins on December 31st, when Indonesians like their counterparts in other countries prepare to bid farewell to the year that is drawing to a close. It is a time for reflection on the twelve months that have passed by, and to celebrate the successes and milestones that have been achieved.

In Indonesia many of the public festivities are centred on the urban areas, where families and friends get together to party the night away. Groups of people get together in car and motorcycle convoys in which they roam the streets of the big cities, notably the capital Jakarta.

Since many Indonesians work on New Year’s Eve the celebrations really get into swing after office hours. Many Indonesians purchase celebratory items like fireworks, paper trumpets and paper hats on their way to their homes where the children will be awaiting them eagerly.

Popular restaurants, hotels and discotheques offer festive specials like promotional meals, dancing and other entertainment. In the capital Jakarta the festivities will typically include a musical show, a countdown for the New Year and the indispensable fireworks display. Indonesians eagerly watch these sensational fireworks displays, when a vast quantity of spectacularly colourful fireworks is released. The major locations for the celebrations are the National Monument, the Ancol Dreamland resort and the Taman Mini recreational area.

On the other hand the island of Bali is another delightful place to usher in the New Year with foreigners as well as locals enjoying themselves in the picturesque surroundings of Kuta Beach. Many of the local establishments such as nightclubs, bars and cafes will organize special performances and entertainment presentations.

Indonesians are by and large a friendly and hospitable people who will welcome you to their festivities and celebrations. With so much to see and do Indonesian has become a very popular venue for holidaymakers who wish to usher in the New Year in style.

When in search of luxury hotels Indonesia has to offer, a traveller can opt for a choice such as Starwood Indonesia. Indonesia 5 star hotels of this calibre ensure a pleasurable stay with plush comforts and attentive service.

 

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+