Still didn't go fully 'red' this Chinese New Year :p
Didn't have the heart to even wear something that resembles a cheongsam, let alone that blaring red color.
But I have to say, I hate it slightly less than last year :)
I still don't understand why we celebrate CNY. Like, we don't even keep a Chinese calendar, we don't even speak Chinese, we don't follow other Chinese traditions - why keep this one?
But for me, this is what helps me through:
Firstly, it matters to my grandparents. For other families, CNY might be important down to those around my age (not just for the angpao). Not so much in our family. But maybe it's a way for my grandparents to remember their roots and their families. And as such, we should celebrate this, too.
Secondly, it's actually quite cool if you can 'interpret' the various symbolism of CNY. For example, in Indonesia, people serve 'lapis legit' during CNY to symbolize layers of fortune. They serve 'onde-onde' or 'kue keranjang' , because the sticky, tacky texture of the rice flour dough symbolize friendships and relationships that stick together (I think).
Et cetera. You get the idea. Sometimes the connection is too ridiculous to even comprehend. But thinking about these trivia save me from boredom and gave me an insight into how genuine those who start these traditions were.
But lastly, it's about family.
it's about paying respect to the elders - which includes uncles, aunties, great uncle or aunty, grandparents, relatives you don't even know existed or only meet once a year.
It's about sharing a meal around the table together. It's about laughing together and being with each other.
I see many institutions in Indonesia started celebrating CNY, as they do Lebaran, Tahun Baru, or Christmas. It's about celebrating the multicultural Indonesia, they say, embracing one of the biggest culture celebrated each year. I don't know what my thoughts are on that - I'm still thinking about it. But maybe it's a good thing.
Either way,
it's been better, and I'm glad :)
Cheers!
-*^^*-
