Journalist Samantha Tan
Chiew Ting shares the excitement of Chinese New Year
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| Foto Bernama |
The Chinese will be ushering the year of the
rooster tomorrow, one of the 12 zodiac signs that they last saw in 2005 and the
one that they will be seeing again in 2029 under the 12 year cycle.
This year the fire element,
one of the five elements of Chinese astrology, comes to the fore as well.
Hence, it's a fire rooster
year with soothsayers claiming it could be a year of travails true to the
traits of the rooster.
Since time immemorial the Chinese hailed the
rooster with its trademark wake up call as the bird of pride, yet its fiery
temperament often causes ruffled feathers and uneasiness.
However, the fire rooster could also boost
enthusiasm in life, career, study, business, relationship and friendship.
Those born under this zodiac sign will be
bestowed with many good qualities -- disciplined, resourceful, independent,
loyal and talented.
A SYMBOLIC AND COLOURFUL CELEBRATION
The Chinese New Year (CNY) that we know is
actually celebrated as the Spring Festival back in China.
Maybe, it's only CNY here and in our
neighbouring countries as there is no four seasons.
The big day starts with the family reunion
dinner on the eve, with homes and businesses
decorated with red lanterns and sash, as red is considered an auspicious
colour.
Dumplings, glutinous rice cakes (niangao) are
often the staple fare.
The Mandarin oranges or kam represents gold
and money and they are a must during CNY.
And the celebration is not complete without the cash gift
in the red 'ang pow' packets, that certainly delights any recipients.
There
are many taboos to observe on the first day. Among them, one should not sweep the house,
keep doors and windows open to let in the good luck, wear red or bright colours
only and ensure the first thing that they taste is something sweet.
CNY BRINGS A FRESH START FOR THE YEAR
CNY means it's time for new beginnings and
new hopes for the year.
Times change, tradition's evolve but the
spirit of celebration remains.
In
today's hectic pace of life, especially for those living in the cities, they
may spend less time with family and friends due to their busy schedule.
However, celebrations like this is what
provides the opportunity for family members and friends to get together and
spend some quality time.
For some like Angel Ng, 31, she will be
celebrating the Lunar New Year in Beijing.
"I hope this year would grant me new hope
and direction for better years ahead.
"Although wealth is important, but
staying united with family is equally important," she said of her family
back in Ipoh.
Ng could not take leave to return home due to
work commitments and this is her second year celebrating CNY abroad, far away
from family and friends.
For Li Wen, 35, being born in the year of
rooster, this CNY brings added excitement.
Of course she is hoping for some good vibes
and her priority is to spend more time with the family.
For Li, who lives in Kuala Lumpur, slowing
down the pace of life does not mean one is not productive, adding that there
should be a balance between work and family.
"Besides family, I would also give some
time to mingle with my friends and pamper myself. This year's priority is my
health, time spent with family and beloved ones," she added.
For Malaysians, CNY brings a long break and
the opportunity to strengthen the unity within the Malaysian plural society.
Xin Nian Kuai Le to all, from all of us in
BERNAMA !
-- BERNAMA
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