Traditions

Ever since I moved away from home to live abroad, I've missed the family traditions we observed during Chinese festivals. During Chinese New Year, my family when not travelling together will gather together for our own family reunion dinner on CNY eve. On the first day of the year, we start the day off by the kids receiving red packets from our parents. Then, after a visit to the temple, we settle down for vegetarian food at home(my mom observes a vegetarian diet every 1st and 15th of the lunar month). This is the only meal in the year where we revert to eat with bowls and chopsticks. For all the other meal times at home, dad insists on eating using plates, fork and spoons the western style. During the meal, mom would insist us taking second helping of rice, no matter how full our bellies were because taking second helpings symbolises we'll have days of abundance and plenty in the new year. Just like every dish in the family reunion dinner has its own meaning, every gesture during the first days of the CNY has its own symbolism.

The years that I've been living on my own, CNY is but another day to me. The excitement of the day is definitely missing unless I visit Chinatown in the city. However, this year it will be different. Gaz and I will be spending time his family, and the first day of CNY is also a public holiday in Australia so it'll be a little more festive. I can probably start my own little tradition of starting the day with a little vegetarian meal of our own. Looking forward to it..