GEORGE TOWN: When you dutifully stay home as the Year of the Metal Ox arrives, and your neighbour just so happens to have two big bulls and a bullock cart, what will you do to while away the hours?
That was just what a villager in Bayan Lepas, who wanted to be known as Goh, mulled while watching his neighbour’s healthy bulls, which were used to pull the Thaipusam chariot in non-pandemic times.
“Since I can only stay home and my neighbour’s bulls and the cart are next to my house, I got permission to decorate them just to take pictures, ” said Goh.
As luck would have it, another neighbour had traditional Chinese costumes, including a God of Prosperity get-up, and so the villagers got together for a festive photo op to remember.
Nurse Koay Zhi Suan, 24, who was born in the Year of the Metal Ox and lives nearby, also had a chance to get a merry photo taken before going to work.
“The days have been busy for us and all we wish for people is to be safe and healthy.
“My personal wish is for a day when we all can remove our face masks as we end the Covid-19 pandemic together, ” she said.
Berry Ch’ng Sue Hui, 12, also had the chance to have her picture taken with the oxen in traditional attire.
She patted their heads and fed the animals mandarin oranges.
“I am amazed they love to eat mandarins.
“They’re so strong yet adorable, ” she said with a smile.
Kelvin Lim, 60, who had fun dressing up as the God of Prosperity for pictures with the oxen, said health was more important than wealth this year.
“I wish everybody a healthy life and hope we will all endure this difficult period together, ” he added.
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