Roots

Nostalgia

A visit and a peep at some malls bring home much nostalgia as I recalled my childhood days back in Kampung Muar when the Ramadan season prepares the locals for a time of celebration after fasting for a month. Somehow during this time when Muslim friends fast, the neighbourhood is more tolerant and try not to get into ways that might offend them. It is fun though to watch them getting ready for the season as they bake, cook, sew and stay elated for moments when family members come home to celebrate.

Like most festive seasons, it is the preparation towards the celebration that brings greater joy than the festival itself when resolution sets in. Don't you think so?

The weekend was fun as I strolled along some malls and discovered to my delight some Hari Raya decor that were quite a sight.

However, strangely the 2 major malls in town had the same theme...they depicted the importance of the family unit and the ultimate call to remember their roots... so I think ; very unlike the Chinese New Year season when most themes are related to prosperity, fortune and weath. Even the teams behind the decor can read the hearts of the people so precisely!

At the curve...

... we see the typical Kampung houses found in many numbers back in Muar.

It is fantastic as they see to so many details including the candle-like feature dotted around the fences of the house. When we do visit Muar during the season, daddy would make it a point to go around the outskirts just to see the candles being lit ... it gives a warm feeling.






Parked at side of the house are 2 different modes of transport; the bicycle and the car. Cycling was so typical for local folks then and the mode has since changed in its importance. Muar used to be a bicycle town ; now it is not so anymore.

Surrounding the units, stores are put up for business. Business in style. It adds taste and style to the ethos of the mall.

The kebaya and keronsangs are a part and parcel of the Malay culture ; so rich and beautiful

Now you have to deliver business to meet the needs and wants of the buyers ; everything must come in greater appeal.

At Sunway Pyramid...

...the railway station perhaps depict connection to a destination... the Kampung.




They even have a keretapi to create authenticity and draw the hearts of the shoppers.

Congkak boards are placed on specially made platforms for shoppers to rest and play...all out to warm up to the public.




But of course, the bottom line is ultimately to boost up sales...typical stalls set up to attract the crowd and buyers. Sometimes you buy not out of need but giving in to gimmicks and then to regret later.

So cosy and tasteful. Makes you wanna buy, buy, buy and ... go home.

The Season of the year.