Tonight is the 8th night of the new Lunar calendar, which signifies Jade Emperor God's (Thnee Kong) birthday otherwise known as the Hokkien New Year. It is believed that the Hokkiens escaped mistreatment by a ruthless army in ancient China and seeked refuge in a sugar cane plantation only to emerge unharmed on the 8th day of Chinese New Year.
I am a pure Hokkien raised in Penang. Needless to say, I grew up observing the occassion and participating in the celebrations. I remember the huge, pillar like joss stick that my dad will burn till the next morning in our court yard, I remember the loud noises of long fire crakers, I remember putting all kinds of yummy food (all pasted with red stickers that have a zig zag design) on the altar as offerings and although I couldn't yet comprehend the significance of the date, I was well aware that something important was taking place.
Sometimes I wonder if I will cease to remember all these events and dates. Just yesterday, I forgot that it was the 7th day of the new Calendar which marks mankind's universal birthday (yan yat). It is traditionally the day to toss yee sang for luck and prosperity although in modern times, yee sang is pretty much tossed throughout the festival. I fear one day, I may forget to observe these special occasions which may have many religious elements, but are also heavily culturally influenced. I guess to me, it's not so much about praying for blessings and luck, but more about respecting the tradition that has been passed on from one generation to another.
Chinese New Year will always be one of my favourite celebrations because not only does it remind me of family and home, it also reminds me of a happier time when I was unburdened by the preasures of growing up and growing old. It transcends time, space and it transports me to my youth which I have long left behind. Traditions and culture practices remain timeless, eternal, unaffected by the rapid decline of society.
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