the power of red

The best thing about living in Indonesia, the melting pot of all (mostly Asian) cultures, the “nusa-antara” or  “between islands”, is the various holidays that we have. Last month we celebrate Islamic new Lunar Year and today it is the turn for the Chinese new Lunar Year or the Imlek Day.  Millions of Chinese Indonesians will celebrate the Year of Rat with traditional barongsai dragon dance and a hope for a raindrop that, people said, represents good luck and prosperity.

Years ago when Imlek New Year was officially granted as a public holiday here, I managed to write an article about its traditional costumes. I made a call to fashion designer Chossy Latu who has a Chinese descend and famous for his cheongsam dresses for an interview. Chossy did mention about the power of red as the best choice for the Chinese big day because red represents courage and all the power to start such a long walk.

That’s why last year I wore red when being invited for an Imlek party in big restaurant. To my surprise, all of my Chinese Indonesian friends didn’t pick that color. Even, I was—with a male friend–the only ones who did wear red. Heh heh heh.

There goes the funny thing in this melting pot society. Those who have no Chinese heritage want to show a respect with wearing red while our Chinese Indonesians friends, in the other hand, simply want to celebrate the new year in a humble way, don’t want too much attention, by ignoring the eye catching red outfits. Look by yourself what I found on 2 live music shows today in our national TV stations; Indosiar and TPI. All the non Chinese Indonesian talent seems to underline the Chinese New Year by wearing red, but there is an empty red from the Chinese Indonesian artists’ side.

  In Superstar Show (Indosiar TV) we have the two MCs with a very red tie (Eko Patrio) and red-and-gold-stripes-shirt (Ruben Onsu). There is also Judge Hetty Koes Endang with red headscarf & tunic while Judge Ari Tulang shows up with red shirt under his black suit. The performers are also rich with red (and all of its variant colors) for their costumes like those worn by Duo Maia and Happy Salma.

Even Okky Lukman who hosts the traditional Dangdut show called DangdutMania  in TPI TV station is all red. The same thing goes to Dangdut judge Ira Swara and also adopted by co host in Dangdutmania, namely “Queen Mommy” Sophie Navita and “Princess” Kiki Amelia.

But look at Chossy Latu himself. The famous fashion designer who is acted as another judge for Superstar Show (a singing contest for celebrities in Indosiar TV Station), along with Hetty Koes Endang and Ari Tulang, doesn’t even having a single red in his outfit. Chossy humbly chooses a blend of dark silk with golden ball ornament for his shirt. The same rule goes to the famous Chinese Indonesian dr Sonia Wibisana who performs as contestant number 4, with her pal Vivi Buntaran. Dr Sonia and long haired Vivi pick yellow-orange-brown and silver with a little pink for their costumes. Not a single red is available on their stage. Funny, eh? I think it is a good sign, a warm communication from both sides, to honestly show each other a deep respect.

Gong Xi Fa Cai, Guys!