With each passing generation, a piece of tradition is lost, as many customs are passed down orally rather than documented. As culture intersects with modernity, numerous rituals fade into fragments of the past. Today’s Chinese New Year (CNY), while still steeped in traditions, is vastly different from the celebrations of decades—or even centuries—ago.
When James Yong was a child, he remembered the festive season being far more meaningful during his childhood compared to adulthood. “Especially if you were in school, as CNY meant several days off,” the 65-year-old recalled fondly.
Like today, CNY back then involved getting new clothes and shoes for children, and there were many key activities that made the festival truly special.
“Reunion dinner was a get together that most families looked forward to. For larger families, it was often the only time everyone came together, especially if some lived far away or in another town,” said Yong.
In his household, it was also a time when his parents were more ‘generous’ — ‘ang pao’ aside — the family get to enjoy bottles of soda, cakes and other goodies, more than usual.
Gambling was another common CNY activity for many families. Games like ‘banlat’, ‘holochim’, ‘chap ji kee’ and poker were often played, sometimes even on the five-foot way if one lives at shop lots.
Asked to compare past and present celebrations, Yong didn’t comment much. “I won’t pinpoint any particular tradition, but somehow CNY nowadays has become more commercialised and less family-focused as society ‘modernises’.”
And as tradition meets the digital era, Yong felt that although the transition to technology is inevitable, he thought it could have been tread more carefully.
“Overdoing it diminishes personal touch, reduces face-to-face interaction, and erodes traditional values. I feel like the efforts to physically bring family members together should continue to make CNY meaningful. And no… Zoom reunions are just not the same lah!” he said.
Meanwhile, for Esther Lim, 31, CNY celebrations have remained similar to her childhood, albeit now on a smaller scale. “We do a simple house clean-up to get rid of bad luck and prepare for CNY. Our family meals are simpler and usually limited to immediate family. Fortunately, the ‘ang pao’ amounts have increased, so there are always more blessings each year,” she shared.
As a working adult, Lim finds balancing traditional customs with work and other commitments challenging. “As adults, we’re no longer just enjoying the festivities; we’re involved in decision-making and preparations. However, it’s always good to work on something together with the family.”
Lim felt that it is important to uphold traditional values to keep families united and to honour the elderly.
“Coming from a Teochew family, my grandmother had a long list of must-dos for the celebrations. But people like me prefer a more casual celebration. Still, we try to blend both traditional and modern elements to keep everyone engaged and traditions alive,” Lim explained.
When asked about her views about giving digital ‘ang pao’ rather than physical ones, Lim appreciates its convenience but values the personal touch of physical red packets. “Giving red packets symbolises blessings and good fortune, traditionally passed from older to younger generations. While digital ones can be fun among friends, I prefer physical ones for family to preserve tradition.”
CNY — Then and Now
Local historian Chai Kit Siang noted that societal changes have significantly altered CNY celebrations. For example, reunion dinners used to be a large family affair with the matriarch leading the preparations.
“Nowadays, it’s hard to find venues that accommodate 10 to 20 people. Additionally, many restaurants now offer reunion dinner packages, and I’ve noticed more families choosing to dine out at restaurants, avoiding the hassle of post-meal cleanup,” Chai observed.
Another example is the tradition of New Year visits. In the past, visits were conducted in strict order of seniority, starting with family elders and relatives before friends. Today, this practice has become more casual and flexible.
“I’ll give one more example: it used to be customary to wear bright red and festive clothing for the New Year. Nowadays, this practice is not as rigidly observed,” Chai said.
He believes that the way festivals are celebrated reflects the lifestyle of the times. “As times change, so do celebrations — which is an understandable evolution.”
Despite these changes, Chai says the younger generation still values the essence of CNY as a time for family reunions.
“In ancient times, unless families lived next door to each other, meeting was difficult due to limited transportation and communication. The New Year was a rare and cherished opportunity to reunite. Nowadays, with advanced communication and convenient travel, the joy of reunions isn’t as intense as before.”
While certain traditions are gradually disappearing, Chai stresses the importance of preserving cultural roots and identity. To him, education is key.
“Educating younger generations about the significance of CNY can help them understand that it’s not just about food, fun or receiving red packets. Behind these traditions lies the spirit of blessing elders, family, friends and nature. This, I believe, is the true meaning of celebrating festivals and the reason why these traditions have endured over time, ” he explained.
Chai also highlighted the impact of modern trends like digitisation. While it helps people stay connected, it may diminish the ritualistic aspect of CNY. “For instance, sending a digital New Year greeting isn’t the same as a traditional visit,” he said.
To ensure traditions endure, Chai emphasised the importance of meaningful celebrations. “If celebrations become too simplified, the festive atmosphere may fade over time.”
He is encouraged, however, by efforts to maintain traditions, such as New Year banquets organised by Chinese associations, deity parades in places like Siniawan, Bau or Lundu, and calligraphy events hosted by schools and art groups.
Whether in the past or present, CNY remains a significant festival for the Chinese community, not just in Sarawak but also around the globe. It is heartwarming to see that, amidst modernity, cultural roots continue to hold importance for many.
