A Special Reunion: Celebrating Chinese New Year Abroad

By Cecelia Sheng

Traditionally, Chinese New Year is a time for reunions. This year, unfortunately, the ongoing pandemic prevented many families from reuniting with their loved ones back home. Yet kindness turned the unique circumstance into a blessing: neighbors became closer as they celebrated the New Year together.

The CNY Eve is a concoction of joy: fireworks sprinkled tiny explosions full of colors against the backdrop of a stary night sky, illuminating people’s faces with beautiful patterns. Children run around screaming, laughing, with Ang Pao’s in one hand and special snacks prepared for the occasion in the other. Adults chatting with each other, exchanging their best wishes and hopes for the coming year.

“Smile at everyone you see, everyone is a family. On this Chinese New Day, we wish you Gong Xi Gong Xi,” Elizabeth Yi (2), with the many Ang Pao collected earlier, caroled and frolicked with her friends, obviously pleased with the special opportunity when she got to share such a special night with her friends.

“Gong Xi Fa Cai,” echoed Summer (2), waving the red envelopes high in the air with a wide smile on her face.

When the outdoor celebration frenzy was over, people headed home in large groups, looking forward to savoring the dumplings that had already been made just a few hours before. Soon, the traditional dish would be served on a red plate symbolizing prosperity and shared among many families. All hovering over the dinner table, they enjoyed the delicacy along with cards, mahjong, or the Spring Festival Gala – together.

Although the single most important festival in Chinese culture, the Chinese New Year Eve is usually quite personal. It’s a private time to spend with family. The pandemic, while keeping families apart, had brought the Chinese community together by creating an opportunity for families to spend the Eve together. 

Even though most of the grandparents stayed hundreds of miles away, on the other side of the screen, the Chinese community enjoyed another kind of reunion –one with “extended family” abroad.