I don’t normally observe traditions or more specifically, superstitions this time of the year. If you were to ask around or google, you’d probably find a long list of do’s and don’ts for Chinese New Year. This is when I apply the philosophy of ignorance is bliss.
But one CNY tradition that I hold dear to my heart and have been following through since young is my family tradition. This includes traveling back to my hometown in Penang with all five of us squeezed into one car! Yes, we brave the traffic every year and despite the change in our ages and sizes, we’d still travel in one car. Dad insists that we do so because those long hours en route to Penang is considered bonding time.
The eve is celebrated with prayers in the morning followed by a reunion dinner with the entire extended family (dad’s side). This tradition has been kept even long after my grandpa had passed away. The first day of CNY is when the fun begins: new clothes, ang pau collecting and gatherings! The same tradition has been observed all my life and though it’s the same every year from the place, rituals, and people to the must-have foods, I absolutely love and look forward to it every year.
Having said that, this year is a little different. I am gonna be celebrating CNY here in KL with just my immediate family because we have an addition to the family: my beautiful nephew, Trent. Lyn, who’s my sister and also the co-founder of this site, has just given birth to a precious baby boy and we’re all oh-so crazy about him! As much as I believe in keeping to traditions, it’s okay to stray once in awhile due to priorities or unforeseen circumstances as long as they’re not driven by selfish wants and needs. Make your family a priority this CNY 🙂
I hope you’ll have a wonderful time with your family and loved ones this Chinese New Year. For those of you traveling back to your hometown, safe journey! Wishing you a healthy and prosperous year ahead! Gong Xi Fa Cai or as we Penangites say it, Keong Hee Huat Chai!
X,
Megan.
