| Located in Southeast Asia, Malaysia is a hidden gem | | | | August, September or October (there are no set |
| for those willing to try something new. One of the best | | | | dates for Muslim holidays, as they follow calculations |
| ways to experience the culture is to attend one of the | | | | from a lunar calendar) was started in the Mongolian |
| many Malaysian holiday celebrations. | | | | dynasty of China. It is celebrated on the 15th day of |
| Malaysia is a beautiful country made up of 13 | | | | the eighth moon, and it is held to celebrate the end of |
| federated states located in Southeast Asia. Originally | | | | the harvest season. The celebration is also associated |
| British colonies, Malaysia is now a multicultural and | | | | with paper lanterns. The Moon Cake Festival is |
| multilingual country with aspects of everyday life | | | | celebrated with mooncakes, which are round and |
| drawn from native Malay and British customs. The | | | | about the size of your palm. Flavors range from black |
| official language spoken here is Bahasa Malaysia, | | | | bean paste to lotus paste to yellow bean paste, and |
| although Chinese residing in the country speak their | | | | they are traditionally given to elders to foster better |
| own dialects of the Chinese language, and other | | | | relations. |
| languages are spoken sporadically as well. | | | | Another holiday in Malaysia worth experiencing is the |
| The capital of Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur, and the | | | | Hari Raya Aidilfitri, which is a Muslim holiday where you |
| country's population, spread out among the various | | | | can meet the King and Queen of Malaysia personally. |
| states, is about 25 million. Most of the country is Islamic | | | | The line for this privilege can stretch for miles outside |
| with anyone claiming to be of Malay decent (about | | | | the palace in Kuala Lumpur, but is worth the wait. After |
| 65% of the country) being Muslim. Other religions are | | | | all, how many opportunities do you get to meet a king? |
| also tolerated with Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism and | | | | During this holiday, Muslims practice an "open house" |
| Christianity also found in Malaysia. Many of the most | | | | where anyone can drop by whether you know the |
| interesting celebrations in this country, however, are the | | | | hosts or not and share a feast. The Hari Raya Aidilfitri |
| Muslim holidays. Visiting the country during these | | | | is one of the most festive of Muslim holidays, occurring |
| periods can be a great experience. | | | | after the fasting month of Ramadan. |
| One celebration in Malaysia that shouldn't be missed is | | | | Witnessing a country wide holiday in Malaysia is an |
| the Moon Cake Festival. Ironically, it is a Chinese holiday | | | | experience not to be missed! Contrary to what you |
| made popular by the thousands of Chinese immigrants | | | | may see in the media, people are generally very |
| in residence here. This holiday, which takes place in | | | | friendly. |