Cultural Practices

The Chinese New Year

in

Spring

Tradition has it that the Chinese people like every other ethnic groups celebrate the coming of Spring after a long haul of winter and to hope for all things good in the coming year. My understanding is that it has very little religious connotations except that some crop in to remove ill luck, mishaps and of course that more money will fall on their laps.

The Chinese is so often equated with money and prosperity probably because of a deep set of life's struggles related to economic woes in the the then China ; my father included. Till this day, my father is still a formula worth emulating.

I walked into Subang Parade last evening and this time Esther told me not to blog about decor anymore; so I will give it a twist and tell the story behind it instead ! The decor are just a waste if left unseen and untold. I still want many to see.

So, like I say, the tiny pink flowers ( mei hwa, I hope ) are an indication of the arrival of good weather and good times. It's so pretty and creates a cheery mood and joy.

The ones in Pavillion are even more breathtaking ! Peonies. Somehow your spirit is uplifted with joyous feelings and gladness of heart. So you know why I love to 'zhou jieh' - go gallivanting and sip in the joy of others.

However joyous an occasion may be, it means nothing without being home with loved ones. So, the home in the village (hometown) is still a must to return to reciprocate our care and love for the older folks. Family ties are still strong and a reason to come together. So, we travel to spend meaningful times with them.

Then we bring along supplies of goodies to show a little care and love and to make them happy.

But of recent times, new features are cropping in. Some have taken the long break for a holiday overseas and the trend is fast catching up. A colleague told me she's not going home this time as both parents are no more here while another one is busy preparing dishes for a pot luck session on the eve.

Next, this display evokes some tales in me and this is how I see it.

Basically an agricultural land, the Chinese of China depended heavily on their crops and a good harvest means an easier year. So, the decor is attractively displayed to connote money matters but of course China is different today. But having food on the table is still the main menu in everyone's agenda.

Then these calligraphic writings of all sorts splattered all over are mere words that speak of blessings and hope. They are repeated with the confession of the lips for it to happen. My father is one who practised it too in his younger days as he named my younger brother "Ah Choy" ... and calls him that until it happens. Today my brother is surely full of it...hahahaha. Hei brother, share with us too !

Of all the writings, this one is most used and appropriate... Happy New Year. Everyone hopes for a happy new year; be it the English, Indian and others. We long for happy times not realising at times that it is we ourselves that have to make it happen by the right perspectives.

To join in the rest of the fellow ethnic group, we also took some effort to change the mood of our Christmas tree into a cherry blossom tree ! You like it? Very versatile indeed. I love this pillar of hope and colour. Dad and I bought a couple of stalks and dutifully pluck them off their twigs and stuck them to the greens and isn't it good-looking?





We must give away to receive more. This I believe.

I have sent one to Sara to the UK through Joel. Have fun, girl.

So, times of good greetings, blessings and hope for all who celebrate the Chinese New Year.