Chinese New Year 2006

Happy Human Day - 04 February 2006

I can’t believe it. So far, this chatterbox has nothing to write about for Chinese New Year this year until now. In fact, I haven’t much inspiration after King Kong. Was even too lazy to write about Geisha, although initially I thought the story was a tat too simple to be a blockbuster. However, after watching Last Samurai today, I realized that these kinds of shows amazes the westerners as it brings forth the deep and mysterious culture and heritage that only we Asians have the fortune to have. And seriously, if I didn’t watch Last Samurai and Geisha, I wouldn’t have the slightest idea what these rich cultures (or ways of lives) of the Japanese were all about. These traditions that the Japanese fight fiercely with their lives, carries profound meanings and intense substance that most of us do not understand. After all, the Japanese can proudly boast that these cultures belong to them and them alone.

Of course, we Malaysians also have many things to be proud about. Our multi-culture and multi-ethnic group population makes us even richer with cultures and traditions even though much have been altered, enhanced and omitted through the years due to various reasons such as inconvenience, social welfare and adaptation. Even the Chinese New Year traditions albeit rich, are not resilient to these evolutions.

Yee Sang, for example, is a locally “invented tradition” where the Chinese in China, Taiwan or Hong Kong do not practice serving this dish as part of their Chinese New Year Cuisine. In

Malaysia

, it’s a must have traditional CNY cuisine to symbolizes good luck, increasing prosperity and successful business. In fact, even in

Malaysia

itself, the Yee Sang has evolved from being served only on “Human Day” (the seventh day of CNY which incidentally is today) to almost everyday even before the CNY starts! Those who are doing marketing courses can cite Yee Sang as a classic example of successful marketing. Extremely successful in fact, as the margin for a plate of these colorful cheap vegetarian ingredients plus a few slices of fish and a packet of crisps, can be up to 300%-400% (especially if served in a fancy restaurant)! Hmmm, come to think of it, the restaurants are getting all the “good luck, increasing prosperity and successful business” which the Yee Sang brings. Having said this, I would still pay for it as I like the taste and it reflects our own significant CNY culture (aiyah, only once a year).

As we put our chopsticks together to indulge in boisterous flipping, mixing and tossing the “al cheapo” ingredients (except if you’re having abalone Yee Sang (Note: aha, the ingredients itself show an evolution of tradition here. It used to be only raw fish as the name Yee Sang suggested but the innovative Chinese has invented various other ingredients such as abalone, jellyfish etc)), I am sure you get that quintessential feeling of family togetherness/bonding/affirmation of ties/social unity all at the same time! Well, that is what cultures and traditions are all about - creating unity and family/friendship bonding. If we don’t uphold them (not necessary to fight with our lives like the Last Samurai), then the cultures and traditions will be lost forever! And strong family ties and friendship will slowly fade away.

Have a wonderful Chinese New Year 2006 – The year of the Dog. As I write, the Hokkien families are already beginning to prepare for the second family reunion dinner tomorrow which continues to midnight to “Pai Tin Koong”, (the Ninth day of CNY where Hokkiens offer prayers to the God of Heaven or Jade Emperor). This is another tradition that should be proudly passed down to the younger generations. Excuse me while I peep out my window to get a glance of the beautiful fireworks released by authorized parties (note that the usage of firecrackers as tradition to scare away the “Nien” (New Year) monster/dragon has been omitted in view of the welfare and health of children and insomniacs).

Alright, I will end here with some auspicious or lucky sayings (Traditionally these lucky sayings, which usually rhymes, are written in beautiful calligraphy only red strips of paper called “Fai Choon” to be pasted onto the doors to welcome good luck):

May you have a year of health and joy,

And an abundance of good fortune which you can enjoy!

Happy Chinese New Year, Gong Xi Gong Xi!

Kelly Rivers

p/s. The above article is not an endorsement or declaration of all the Malaysian Chinese New Year traditions and cultures. It is just a recollection of my personal experience and thoughts in conjunction with the Chinese New Year. The article is written just to promote the festive mood and bring you well wishes.