Stilts Walk Walkers

Stilts Walk Walkers

The word "Chingay" has been variously translated as meaning "the artistry of make-up and costuming", "a Chinese decorated float" and "a sort of stage borne on the shoulders of men, on which is a gorgeous representation of some historical scene".

At first glance, there might appear to be considerable discrepancies among these translations but they are not so very far apart, really, and as they are all derived from the same Chinese characters, it would seem that the only difference is one of interpretation. Certainly, all three are apt descriptions of the Chingay procession which takes place annually on Christmas Day on Penang island in Malaysia.

The Chingay is a riotously colourful spectacle that winds its way through the streets of Georgetown, a UNESCO heritage city; and Malaysia, being a multicultural country, has combined elements of Malay and Indian cultures into what is basically a Chinese affair. Traditional Chinese amusements such as big-headed dolls, stilt-walkers, acrobats and tumblers alternate with pom-pom girls, Malay and Indian traditional dancers; all of which combined with decorated floats, marching bands, gaudy costumes, and the brilliant make-up of the participants into a kaleidoscope parade to make for a shutterbug's field day.

The Chingay apparently first appeared in Penang in 1880 to celebrate the "Welcome of Spring"; in fact, some historians claim that it was celebrated even before the arrival of Francis Light, the British sailor, in 1786. At that time, the main elements were giant triangular flags and lanterns. The length of each flag was about eight metres and hoisted on bamboo poles each ranging from eight to ten metres. Each flag and pole weighed about 28 kilogrammes! Men with thickly painted faces and garbed in elaborate costumes balanced them on various parts of their anatomy such as the shoulders, forearm and stomach. During the pre-war years, the processions were mainly religious, such as to celebrate the birthday of a deity such as the Goddess of Mercy. Later years saw competing troupes from Chinese associations adding a variety of attractions such as floats pulled by donkeys, with beautiful girls sitting atop. After World War II, the Chingay spread to Johor, the southernmost state of peninsula Malaysia. The processions underwent a transformation, with floats being carried on lorries, and even saw the participation of decorated trishaws. The celebrations eventually spilled over to Singapore, which held its first Chingay in 1972.

Penang's early Chingay processions were organised informally by clan associations and Chinese temples. In 1966, the Penang Municipal Council organised the 1st Pesta Festival to promote tourism, which included a Chingay procession. From 1970 onward, the Penang State Government took over the organising of the Pesta Festival and the Chingay procession remained the highlight of the celebration. That year, it was also decided that the festival be held on Christmas Day. In 1975, Penang Chingay Association was formally registered, which contributed to the development of the festival. Since then, Chingay troupes from Penang have performed in several foreign countries on many occasions.

The origins of Chingay can be traced more than 2,000 years ago to the town of Lang Chung Hsien on the Chia-Ling River in central Szechuan, where parades of both unknown as well as mythical animal figures were held on festive occasions.

The founder of the Han Dynasty (206 B.C. to 220 A.D.), in recruiting soldiers from the area for his military campaigns, learned of these parades and was so impressed with them that eventually, he included them among the entertainment given at the Han Emperor's court. The most spectacular of these were the "fish and dragon procession" held at the time of the lunar new year.

The new year celebrations began with an early morning audience by the Emperor in the main hall of the palace, during which thousands of officials, vassal kings, and other tributaries prostrated themselves before him as an expression of allegiance. Lavish gifts were then presented to the Emperor and imperial rewards bestowed, after which, drinking, and merry-making followed, while outside "fish and dragon processions" were held.

Malaysia's Chingay has both an animal and people content. The list of entertainment varies from year to year but there are some traditional items which are always present and without which Chingay would be incomplete: the mischievous big-headed dolls; the stilt-walkers; the acrobats and tumbers; and the floats with tableaux from Chinese operas. By way of contrast, there may be also baton twirlers, trick cyclists, Disney cartoon characters and even hip-hop dancers.

The procession may also include a Malay kompang group, or a silat troupe. There may also be dancing fairies, Indian Bharata Natyam dancers, or even a Punjabi Bhangra. Also included may be brass and school bands; Chinese orchestras; displays of tai chi or kung fu; slapstick characters; lion dancers; flower girls; sing-song girls; representations of the twelve animal signs that make up the Chinese zodiac, or even a fire-breathing dragon. In short, it's Chingay, and at the end of several exhausting hours, you will certainly be charmed and thrilled to the hilt.

For more details about the author, please visit his website at http://ewepaikleong.blogspot.com

Stomp Walkers $54.99 Stomp Walkers are the big-foot stilts with the soft foam feet! Step up to the stilts that are making walking wacky, and hold on tight! These soft foam stilts with the oversized funny feet make it easy to walk tall and stomp big. Support up to 100 pounds. Balance is easy with ultra-wide foot stands. Flexible, durable soft foam base is ideal for indoor and outdoor play. Set includes 1 pair of Stomp Walkers. For ages 6 and up. Type: Sets Gender: Unisex Age: Child,Teen,Adult

Black-Necked Stilts Walk Through a Mud Flat Looking for Food $39.99 Bill Curtsinger Black-Necked Stilts Walk Through a Mud Flat Looking for Food - Photographic Print

Children's Stilts $24.99 Children's Stilts - Photographic Print

Coop on Stilts $24.99 George Marks Coop on Stilts - Photographic Print

Hotel on Stilts $24.99 Michael Gebicki Hotel on Stilts - Photographic Print

Sleep Walkers $10.49 Sleep Walkers

Children Walking on Stilts $39.99 Children Walking on Stilts - Giclee Print

Hop Men on Stilts $24.99 Hop Men on Stilts - Photographic Print

Surprises Around the Bend: 50 Adventurous Walkers $14.99 "Many of the most creative men and women in history have been ardent walkers, says Richard Hasler, and many of those same people affirm that a particular walk was a serendipitous experience, resulting in personal transformation. Surprises around the Bend shares the stories of some of these famous women and men who, while walking, had dramatic experiences that altered the course of their lives. These brief yet telling stories are filled with unusual and interesting details that encourage and challenge young and old to emulate these companions by creating their own personal walking programs with the quiet expectation of meeting surprises around the bend ???????????? and experiencing physical, mental, and spiritual renewal. Grouped into categories of Physicians and Naturalists, Poets and Novelists, Politicians and Teachers, Pilgrims and Seekers, Prophets and Reformers. Included among the famous walkers are Francis of Assisi, John Bunyan, Mother Teresa, Thomas Merton, Peace Pilgrim, Toyohiko Kagawa, Martin Luther King, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer"

A House on Stilts in a Canal $124.99 Mick Elmore A House on Stilts in a Canal - Wall Mural

Housing on Stilts at a Resort $39.99 Michael Melford Housing on Stilts at a Resort - Photographic Print

Stilt Walkers $24.99 Stilt Walkers - Photographic Print

Walkaroo Stilts $59.98 Here's a little lift for you. Walkaroo Stilts give height to anyone and everyone who wants to be a little taller. The stilts have an S-Bend, which wrap around the shoulders and the foot platform (11 above the ground), placing your weight directly over the lower pole to give you the control and support you need. Walkaroo Stilts extend from 4'6 to 6'6 and can support a maximum weight of 210 lbs. Made of rugged tubular steel with non-marking rubber feet, the stilts can be used inside or outside. For ages 8 and up. Type: Sets Gender: Unisex Age: Child,Teen,Adult

Whales on Stilts! $6.99 In Whales on Stilts, a madman has unleashed an army of stilt-walking, laser-beaming, thoroughly angry whales upon the world! Luckily, Jasper Dash and his friends Katie Mulligan and Lily Gefelty are around to save the day.

Boy on Stilts, October 4,1919 $39.99 Norman Rockwell "Boy on Stilts", October 4,1919 - Giclee Print

The Stilts Cartoon for a Tapestry at the Prado $34.99 Francisco de Goya The Stilts Cartoon for a Tapestry at the Prado - Giclee Print

Japanese Children Playing on Stilts and Hobbyhorses $39.99 Japanese Children Playing on Stilts and Hobbyhorses - Giclee Print

Honkers & Bar Walkers, Vol. 2 $11.99 Track Listing: 1. Pee Wee (Call of the Gators) - Willis "Gator" Jackson, 2. Return of B.O. Plenty - Morris Lane, 3. Gitchie Gitchie-Goomba - Morris Lane, 4. Joe's Beat - Morris Lane, 5. Blue Jeans - Morris Lane, 6. Benson Bounce - Panama Francis, 7. Darkness on the Delta - Panama Francis, 8. Bess's Blues - Panama Francis, 9. 12:00 Jump - Panama Francis, 10. I Love Her - Bill Harvey (previously unreleased), 11. Walk Right In - Bill Harvey, 12. Doll Baby - Charles Ferguson, 13. Bean Head - Charles Ferguson, 14. Hard Times - Charles Ferguson, 15. Big G - Charles Ferguson, 16. That's for Sure - Bobby Smith (previously unreleased), 17. That's It - Charles Ferguson (previously unreleased), 18. Low Lights - Charles Ferguson, 19. Hi Beam - Charles Ferguson, 20. I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good) - Charles Ferguson (previously unreleased), 21. Rush Hour - King Curtis (previously unreleased), 22. Dynamite at Midnite - King Curtis

Holiday Inn Express Leicester-Walkers Stadium $141.28 Holiday Inn Express Leicester Walkers Stadium is located in central Leicester, close to Walkers Stadium, New Walk Museum, and Jewry Wall. Nearby points of interest also include Leicester Cathedal and Highcross Shopping Centre. Hotel Features. Dining options at Holiday Inn Express Leicester Walkers Stadium include a restaurant and a snack bar/deli. A bar/lounge is open for drinks. Room service is available during limited hours. The hotel serves a complimentary hot and cold buffet breakfast. This 4 star property has a business center and offers small meeting rooms, audio visual equipment, and business services. Wireless Internet access (surcharge) is available in public areas and the hotel has a computer station. This Leicester property has 520 square meters of event space consisting of a conference center, banquet facilities, conference/meeting rooms, and a ballroom. Guest parking is complimentary. Additional property amenities include multilingual staff and laundry facilities. Guestrooms. 110 air conditioned guestrooms at Holiday Inn Express Leicester Walkers Stadium feature coffee/tea makers and windows that open. Beds come with signature bedding. Furnishings include desks and sofa beds. Bathrooms feature showers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. Wireless Internet access is available for a surcharge. Guestrooms offer direct dial phones with voice mail. High definition televisions have satellite channels. Notifications and Fees:Guests under 18 years old are not permitted at this adults only property. All guests staying in hotel guestrooms must be registered with the hotel. The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out. Deposit: GBP 50.00 per nightBreakage deposit: GBP 150.00 per stayEarly check in fee: GBP 50.00Late check out fee: GBP 50.00Fee for wireless Internet in business center: GBP 6.00 per 24 hour period (rates may vary)Fee for wireless Internet in all public areas: GBP 6.00 per 24 hour period (rates may vary)Fee for in room wireless Internet: GBP 6.00 per 24 hour period (rates may vary) The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change. Notifications and Fees:Guests under 18 years old are not permitted at this adults only property. All guests staying in hotel guestrooms must be registered with the hotel. The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out. Deposit: GBP 50.00 per nightBreakage deposit: GBP 150.00 per stayEarly check in fee: GBP 50.00Late check out fee: GBP 50.00Fee for wireless Internet in business center: GBP 6.00 per 24 hour period (rates may vary)Fee for wireless Internet in all public areas: GBP 6.00 per 24 hour period (rates may vary)Fee for in room wireless Internet: GBP 6.00 per 24 hour period (rates may vary) The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

'Stilts' (Brazil) $249.95 A very tall man on stilts carries a banner announcing the arrival of the circus. Surrounded by astonished children, he precedes the big top in a small Brazilian town. All is sunshine and tropical greenery in this charming na�f painting by Coelha. Titled "Perna de Pau" in Portuguese.

Walkers, Perrenporth $19.99 Mike Hindle Walkers, Perrenporth - Giclee Print

Walk On $17.49 Walk On

Walk $14.29 Walk

The Walk $10.49 The Walk

Walk On By $15.99 Walk On By

Walk With Me! (DS) $12.99 A good active walking routine is recognised as an important part of a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Now Nintendo’s Walk with me! can help you to get in tune with your personal walking regime, compare it with friends, family or even your pet, and see how you compare to walkers across the globe! A good active walking routine is recognised as an important part of a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Now Nintendo’s Walk with me! can help you to get in tune with your personal walking regime, compare it with friends, family or even your pet, and see how you compare to walkers across the globe! -Includes 2 Activity Meters

Neon Walkers - Alienfun $10 Neon Walkers - Alienfun

Neon Walkers - Bluemouse $10 Neon Walkers - Bluemouse