Social Obligations and traditions

Chinese New Year has come. There were 2 issues that came into my mind when I see Chinese New Year in a different light this year.

Traditions

We are born Chinese, yet how much of Chinese New Year traditions do we know? In an increasingly globalised society, are we losing the traditions that have been passed down from generations to generations? Traditions face the possible threat of extinction because they do not hold value to us anymore. As part of new year traditions, we springclean our house, fill up our rice bucket, top up our goodies, give angbaos to unmarried singles, visit long-lost relatives and toss yusheng into the air.

Social Obligations

There are many relatives that we have not met for a long time. This is the perfect time to catch up. Sometimes, there are issues that we talk about; sometimes, there is silence that we try to break. There are several we are not close to, but these are social obligations that we have to fulfill - as sons and daughters of our parents. Since 'meeting up' during CNY is pre-determined, the best way to view it is to enjoy such a process.