GEORGE TOWN: As Chinese New Year approaches, bamboo leaf brooms are once again finding their way into homes, with families carrying out the spring-cleaning ritual believed to sweep away bad luck and usher in good fortune.
Traditionally used weeks before the festive season, the ritual begins at the back of the house and moves towards the front, symbolically driving out negative energy.
The green bamboo leaves, tied into a bundle, are used by hand or attached to a stick to reach high shelves, corners and hidden nooks. Some households tie a red string around the broom for added auspiciousness.
Housewife Amy Chin, who was selecting a bamboo leaf broom at the Air Itam market recently, said the practice was one she continued out of respect for tradition.
“My mother has done this every year, and now that I have my own home, it is something I follow too,” said Chin, who is in her 30s.
She said some people observed specific dates when using the bamboo leaf broom, but she would usually choose a day close to Chinese New Year.
“It is more symbolic. The broom doesn’t really clean, but it is meant to ward off bad luck,” she said.
At the same market, vegetable trader James Tan, 70, said bamboo leaf brooms remained popular.
“I usually sell about 10 to 15 a day, but on weekends I bring in more. Many families still observe this tradition,” he said.
“There are specific dates people follow. This year, I believe it falls on Feb 6, 10, 11 or 13,” he said, adding that the ritual can be done on other days, though these dates are considered auspicious.
“Once you’re done, the broom is thrown away. It’s meant for one-time use,” he said.
Flower seller Leong Khing, 65, who sells bamboo leaves annually, said the tradition remained meaningful.
“I swept my house with it a few days ago while doing spring cleaning. You dust everywhere, above cupboards and into small corners,” he said.
Leong said bamboo symbolises resilience and the act of cleaning represents removing old energy.
