The Lunar New Year unites diverse cultures in joyous celebration, weaving traditions and fostering hope
The Lunar New Year is a joyous season infused with a fleeting yet profound magic that is uniquely experienced during this time.
It’s a period when individuals from the Chinese community, irrespective of creed, come together to cherish each other’s company.
Here, the young and the old from the near and far converge, upholding age-old customs while embracing the enduring bonds of family legacy and the comforting embrace of unity.
For Lee Eng Yap, a Bruneian doctor based in Australia, this Lunar New Year is of quite significance, especially having been away from the Sultanate for seven years.
“Having been away for so long, visiting family makes me nervous, but I’m going to make sure I visit all of them,” the 27-year-old said in an interview.
While in Australia, Lee celebrated most of his Lunar New Years with his peers, an experience he found unique due to the cultural differences among the communities observing the event, including Thai and Vietnamese.
Despite these differences, Lee believed that Lunar New Year celebrations are universal, characterised by family gatherings, joyous festivities, and the iconic red packet, regardless of one’s location.
He also highlighted the importance of preserving one’s roots and culture even while abroad thus keeping traditions alive overseas.
“Host your own Chinese events or join others’ to share your culture, especially with those who are curious.
“Fortunately, my dad helps me stay connected to my roots by sending me updates on lunar calendar events.”
Amidst the vibrant Lunar New Year festivities, Desmond Au, a close relative of Lee Eng Yap, also offered his reflections on this year’s celebrations.
He fondly recalled the joyous atmosphere fostered by the eased COVID travel restrictions in mid-2022, as it reunited all his loved ones in shared laughter and camaraderie.
The following year, he found hope in witnessing the bustling open houses when the Sultanate experienced its first Lunar New Year celebrations since the pandemic hit the globe.
Now in its second year post-COVID, Desmond highlighted the local community’s enduring bonds and connection, however, understanding business dynamics, he believed that the national festivities would become a boon in the commercial landscape. The eased restrictions, he said, has sparked a surge in guests, breathing new business opportunities for the country, believing that this year of the dragon, will ultimately bring prosperity to businesses both locally and internationally.
Meanwhile, for retired teacher and revert Haji Mohd Sunny Lai Abdullah, Lunar New Year celebrations with his family promise to be intriguing, given the diversity of religions and nationalities within their roots in Kampong Sabun.
With new additions to the family from English, French, Filipino, and Thai backgrounds, alongside the Chinese and Malay members, the languages spoken during these gatherings are a blend of English, Malay, and even Hokkien, shared the 71-year-old.
Growing up in Kampong Sabun, Haji Mohd Sunny recalled a childhood of playing with the Malay children of his village, describing the relationship between the Malay and Chinese residents at the time as close-knit; therefore, they were closely familiar with each other’s culture. As such, when he converted to Islam, nothing changed within the family, with Lunar New Year celebrations maintaining their fervour, as family members gather to enjoy traditional snacks like kueh sapit amidst each other’s company.
“We’re fortunate to have family members hosting open houses with halal catering. At these gatherings, you can anticipate a delightful spread of assorted snacks, refreshing beverages, hot drinks, traditional treats, candies, and, of course, Mandarin and Taiwanese oranges.”
Adding a touch of heart, he noted the importance of the tradition of giving red packets, highlighting how it symbolises generosity and goodwill.
Ultimately for Haji Mohd Sunny, the festive season isn’t just about celebration but it’s also about extending a helping hand to family members who may be facing financial challenges, underscoring the true spirit of togetherness and support. – Rokiah Mahmud & Wardi Wasil
