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2/15/2008 9th day of CNYToday it the 9th Day of CNY. Sharp at midnight, the firecrackers starting to fill up the sky. When I looked up, the sky was bright with lots of colours from the firecrackers. Despite the government bans the firecrackers, there are still a lot out there.
Probably, the chinese community in Malaysia is still unwilling to let go the old tradition. The 9th day of CNY is very important to the Hokkien "clan" in chinese community. It is the official first day of Chinese New Year for Hokkien clan. And sugar cane plant is one of the must have because it protected this clan during the time of war. How it protected,..., I think you must study back the chinese history if you want to know.
Custom, ethnic and culture is very important to the older generation. In my generation, I can see some of these are mixed to form a new custom, ethnic and culture. Plus, we are moving into Information Age where knowledge is "Power".
I wonder to myself, if it is ok to forget my own custom and culture, little by little. Because a lot of these I don't practice unless taking instructions from my mum :) Then there was one case recently, after performing prayers for CNY, my mum took out a "paper seal" written in chinese words and get my dad to burn it and put the ashes into water. And, my horror (really feel like freak out), my mum put it into smaller cups and asked my to drink. I know I seen this in TV before, but...I just can't drink it. I rejected it but my mum insisted me to drink. Finally, I need to adhere and I "tasted" it only. The water was a bit sweet and there was a burn smell. I never know what is this for. Because in my mind, everything should have scientific explanation.
But then, having this custom make me feel proud of my own chinese community. We have long, long history back to China. And yesterday, the 8th day of CNY, is also known as the "People Day". Where everyone should gathers around and have a nice meal. Coincidencely, yesterday is also Valentine's day. So many people asked me whether I have gf or where is mine gf. Intially, I just tell them no but they never believe. Then I told them, my gf is far, far away. Far until I don't know where to look for her,... saying to myself.
Happy Valentine's day to all the couples. May the happiness be with you.
Another 6 more days to go before end of CNY. Everyone must been very busy preparing, enjoying and celebrating this Chinese New Year.
Having these celebration where everyone is going back for reunion dinner, it reminds that we should never forget where we come from and never forget to cherish the things we still have. We should live our life happily.
2/8/2008 2nd Day of Chinese New YearToday, we went to FGS (Fo Guang Shan) temple. It is one of the grand temple in Malaysia. I would go there like once or twice a year.
This year, the decoration is same like last year. A lot of flowers around, the paint look fresh and as usual, a lot of lanterns at the walkway. I remember the last time I went there with a friend, Nok. We went there for lantern festival. It was a huge attraction to the people around. Finding parking was difficult. Today with much ease, not much people, but still the parking is full.
Everytime when I walked in, I feel the closeness with nature. Because I can smell the flowers and plants around. Too many of them. It is like walking in a huge garden. Indeed, it is a garden. Then we walked into the grand hall. Really a very grand hall for a chinese temple. I took a seat while my mum performing her prayers with the others. Sitting on the bench inside the hall with the recitation of Buddha's sutra, my mind just feel blank and emptiness. Feel a lot of noise around, but peaceful inside me. Until I fell asleep
 How can I slept, I also don't know. I feel like my weight is getting lighter and lighter, then my eyes like close by themselves and I slept! After the sleep or "nap", I feel much better and bigger appetite. We stopped by the Carey Island for seafood
 For those who celebrating CNY, I wish all of you have a Happy and Prosperous Chinese New Year.
For the others, have a nice weekend holiday. I wish everyone to have good happiness, health and wealth for this Year of the Rat. |
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