Chinese New Year Traditions are Fading

By Emily Chew

           

Days before the Lunar year, every household is busy giving its house a thorough makeover. People also give their fences and walls new paint, hoping to sweep away all the unfortunate luck that may have been in the family to make way for incoming good luck. During the eve of the Lunar New Year, the reunion dinner draws all the family members together. The reunion dinner, although it is not a ceremony, is more of a promise that the family will again unite despite busy schedules from work and studies.

            Nowadays, many younger generations do not prioritize the reunion dinner anymore. Some do not return from studying or working abroad; some do not put effort into visiting their grandparents and parents in their hometown. In the past, it is a tradition to visit the hometown what else nowadays it is no longer necessary. For the majority of Gen-Y, they tend to prioritize their friends and colleagues over their family members and relatives. Most of the people focus on their devices rather than spending the time to communicate with their family members. Younger generations feel less attached to their family members and do not value family gatherings during the Chinese New Year.

            While westernization is not entirely to blame, the Chinese believe that it plays a part in the fading of traditional Chinese traditions. The younger generations have a broader exposure to western culture through media and the accessibility to information. Many younger generations are also more likely to adopt western cultures, altering their view on the importance of traditional Chinese values and traditions. Young adults do not contribute much to the festive cheer a lot anymore, but they will be busy avoiding eye contact from the family relatives, uncles and aunties. They tend to give loads of advice and lectures on studying habits, relationship skills, and manners, etc. Thus, many teenagers do not enjoy visiting their family relatives as they don’t value the importance of communication between the generations' ties.

            The festival is to bond family ties to encourage reunions and gatherings. If you did not make an effort to maintain a close relationship with your children, parents, and friends, do not expect them to warm up to you suddenly. No matter how busy you are, always remember that family bonding should not only occur during special occasions. It would be best if you stayed up to date with your grandparents’ and family’s lives. The family will never turn their backs on their members, and your family members are the only people who genuinely care for you in any circumstances.