The Cultural Significance and Contemporary Adaptations of Chinese New Year Deity Processions (You Shen) among Malaysian Chinese Communities

Abstract

The ritual of deity processions, known as You Shen (??) during the Chinese New Year, is a vital tradition within the Malaysian Chinese community. These festive parades, rooted in Chinese folk beliefs and clan-based worship, have evolved into complex communal events involving music, dance, religious rites, and social interaction. This study aims to explore the cultural meanings and contemporary transformations of Chinese New Year deity processions in Malaysia. Combining literature review, field observations, and qualitative interviews with temple managers, community elders, and youth participants, the research reveals that You Shen serves multiple functions: strengthening communal bonds, reinforcing ethnic identity, and transmitting cultural values across generations. However, challenges such as urbanization, the decline in youth participation, and increasing regulation of public events threaten its continuity. The findings provide insight into how traditional intangible cultural practices adapt within a multicultural society and highlight strategies to sustain and innovate cultural heritage in the modern era.