Selamat Hari Raya

It has always been a favourite pastime of mine; people-watching. Only at this time of the year, it gets a lot more interesting.

I like the Hari Raya festival. I always make it a point to get out of house, and simply feast my eyes on the explosion of colours. The malay traditional costumes are simply breathtaking. Creamy whites, brillant golds and silvers, velvety blacks and browns, lovely soft lilac and rose pastels, striking emeralds and sapphires. A smorgasboard of colours, sometimes it gets too a little too much for the eyes. But 'tis such a pleasant visual strain.

Their dresses never fail to make every woman look like a princess. (Nudges Khairyn!) Those long graceful outfits, some painstakingly embroidered with intricate designs, some bejeweled with sparkling rhinestones, some mysteriously veiled with a wisp of chiffon. It hints of the curves that the silk hides, but yet never really revealing them. The femmine cut of the gown lends elegance to the wearer, and portrays grace. Can't you tell by now, how absolutely enamoured I am by the malay traditional costume? (:

It's always such a novelty to me, when I see families donning the same shade of colour. It warms the heart, to see such displays of family unity. You might not have it, but hell nobody will ever know from looking at your bloodkins. A cluster of purple, a flock of red. Teenage daughters looking gorgeous in peacock blue, younger brothers looking equally adorable in the same shade. Some think it's humliating, but I for one, admire the togetherness the costumes displays. If you ain't afraid of wearing your class tee shirt with about 20 other people, why should you cower in shame wearing the same colour as your own blood? Come on, hold your head up high and walk a little straighter, you should be proud. Do you think the other races can do the same? Not very likely. Be proud of your culture, I would if I were you. Your culture is rich and your traditions are still not that long lost yet. It's something worth gloating.

Tell me, when the Lunar New Year rolls around, what are the chances you will be able to get a glimpse of a qipao or a cheongsam? Not very high. You can't really blame us either, the form-fitting oriental dress seem to be made for women with disgustingly perfect proportions. Flat chest, big ass or a tummy? Forget it. You will never look good. Admittedly, when one has the figure, the dress will look infinitely sexy. But tell me, how many women in the world has barbie-like silhouttes?

Oh well, you might call it a blessing in disguise. Because of our impossible traditional costumes, nobody ever wears it now. Hence, chinese new year is another excuse for us youths to spend daddy or mommy's bucks to get trendy new skirts, tops and the latest jeans. Don't get all self-righteous on me, you know that as well as I do. But hey, who's complaining? (:

Alright so I'm way digressing now. But veering back to topic, to all muslims out there, Selemat Hari Raya and wear your gorgeous clothes with pride! You've got the envy of the lady here.

P.S Lisda, Khairyn, Shahril(s) - I still want those photos!