Universe in a single atom: March 2008

My short break turn out to be longer than expected. I actually planned to write my blog much earlier but was having the worst nightmare of any writer – mental block! I am still having these “blank mind” but would try to write whenever I can. This phase will pass, hopefully as soon as possible.

My Chinese New Year (CNY) was a typical one. Visiting relatives and giving red packets we called “Ang Bao” are common practices. CNY is meant to be an occasion for family gatherings and we will have reunion dinner on the eve of CNY where family will take this day to gather together and have a splendid dinner.

The color red is meant for good luck. Married couples will have to give Ang Bao to the young who are not married yet. In the older days, giving Ang Bao is for good luck and how much money it contains does not really matters much. But nowadays, people tend to compare the “market rate” and you will be condemned if you are giving below the market rate. I feel that the meaning and value of CNY has been greatly distorted and undermined.

The older generations tend to value CNY more than the younger generations. While the older generations will shun away from black and white color which is viewed as inauspicious, the younger generations nowadays tend to care less of it. Some even wear black clothes to visit relatives which is viewed as a taboo in the older days.

Gone are the days where kids are contended with just sweets and tibits, nowadays kids will view CNY as “earning Ang Bao money” days. Maybe because Singapore is a fast pace city and city dweller tend to be more money focus. Parents are not really advocating the right values in children. Some will even go overseas just to avoid giving Ang Bao.

With the fast development and increasing living standards, I think it is evitable that CNY in Singapore will slowly lose its origin meaning. How sad :( !!