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Cultural Conversations: Lunar New Year 2024
Lunar New Year holds great significance for my multicultural family. With roots in Hong Kong, Singapore, Los Angeles, and Taiwan, we celebrate a rich blend of Chinese traditions. It is a joy to pass down these beautiful customs to our children.
The weeks leading up to Lunar New Year are always a treat, as we start to decorate our home. Pots of kumquat trees are ordered in, pussy willow plants and paper cuttings fill our living room as we begin the Lunar New Year season. Everyone in the family gets to buy new clothes too, as new clothing symbolises a fresh start. One of my favourite activities is filling the “Chuen Hup”, which loosely translates to a “Tray of Togetherness”. This box is always filled with Chinese dried sweets, fruits, nuts and seeds – all of which have their own auspicious symbolism. A tangerine and a red packet are placed on top of the Chuen Hup box is the final touch!
On the eve of the New Year, our extended family gathers for a reunion dinner. We enjoy traditional dishes that symbolize our hopes for the upcoming year, such as Fish (for prosperity), Black Moss (for wealth), Glutinous Rice Balls (for togetherness), and Noodles (for longevity). After the meal, adults and children stay to play games and engage in friendly gambling, often continuing late into the night.
On New Year’s Day, our family goes on full-day outings to visit friends and family. We bring oranges as gifts and exchange greetings for the new year. These visits are filled with laughter, snacks, and a chance to reconnect with loved ones we rarely see due to busy schedules.
While the Lunar New Year officially lasts for 15 days, we run out of steam by Day 3. The days following are more relaxed, allowing us time to reflect on the traditions we've upheld and the memories we've created. As the festivities wind down, we savour the remaining snacks and reflect on the joy and togetherness that the Lunar New Year brings to our family.
