I have been missing in action for days since CNY first started. Having to celebrate my first CNY for the first time after 4 years in England, I no longer have this sense of anticipation for it. I have seemed to lose this kind of feeling after my departure to England.
There is no way that I can feel the atmosphere of the Chinese celebrating New Year in that foreign state. I remember vividly that once I had to attend my final exam during the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar. It’s supposed to be a day off for Chinese to usher the New Year. But it turned out that most of the Chinese were either in the state of fear or in the moody swing, for their last walk of the first semester course evaluation. Not too bad for me that time as I still managed to put a smile on my face, pretentiously to cover up the fear and anxiety to be called into the exam hall.
To adduce a more sensible reason of me losing the anticipation for CNY, I personally think that it is because of the change of my faith. The tradition and customs that my family used to practice are no longer bringing any excitement to me. One of the most spectacular events is worshipping of the deities for those practicing Taoism.
The event of worshiping the deities is often celebrated along with fire crackers and beautiful fireworks. And this is how the excitement comes in. Leaning that I am no longer practicing the same faith that I used to embrace, I have gradually lost my interest in the traditional events that still remain as a part of the customs maintained by Chinese community in Malaysia till these days. The only thing which is more relevant for me to be cheerful about this festive season is the togetherness of my family members. Nothing could be more important than a healthy and happy family that comes in a close bond.
Being a Christian doesn’t stop me from celebrating CNY apart from other Christ related festivity. I am still a Chinese and I am proud to be one. I am now a Christian and I am grateful that GOD has chosen me to be one too. My prayer for this New Year, no other than having more soul saved under the Grace of GOD. I hope that my career will have a great start this year despite of the economic slowdown.
To all that I know, wishing you all a prosperous year ahead and hope that you have double or more of what you had last time as your harvest.
Happy Chinese New Year!
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