2021 has come, and we are now celebrating the Lunar New Year! How time flies, forty-two days of the year have passed, and one of the most colourful and grand celebrations of the year is upon us. Known by different names such as the Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival, the occasion is one of the most anticipated festivals owing to the vibrant and exciting celebrations, family reunions, festive shopping, parades, and the most delectable dishes. The coming year is going to be the Year of the Ox according to the Chinese Zodiac.
But, as we herald in the Chinese New Year today, things are obviously a bit different. The COVID-19 threat still looms large and thus much caution is being demanded all across Singapore. It is in this backdrop that Singaporeans, along with the global community welcome the Lunar New Year.
Celebrations to be toned down a bit: time to teach kids a valuable lesson
Taking in the gravity of the COVID-19, the government has issued a number of guidelines to safeguard the well-being of all Singaporeans. Celebrations will be toned down and most of us have reconciled to the fact that given the backdrop, taking the suggested precautions would definitely be the right thing to abide by. As responsible citizens, we need to behave maturely during our celebrations.
Parents, this is a great opportunity to teach your kids an important lesson for life and impart the right mentality in them. You need to set an example before your kids by respecting and following the safety guidelines throughout your Lunar New Year celebrations. Explain to your kids the rationale behind such behaviour as well. Seeing this sort of behaviour from parents or guardians will help instil the right moral values in children and help them grow up as more socially committed individuals with the right civic sense.
The family gatherings and reunion dinners
The most cherished memories from each year’s Chinese New Year celebrations would be the delightful and sumptuous reunion dinners. People travel back to their homes for the holiday. The eve of Chinese New Year is the popular occasion for reunion dinners. People get together with members of their extended families to take part in large reunion dinners.
This time, however, large family gatherings will not be possible.
Owing to a rise in community COVID-19 cases, starting from January 26, the authorities have asked households to receive not more than eight visitors per day. Individuals have also been asked to limit the number of their visits to households as far as possible.
What does that mean? Won’t there be any of those special family moments this year?
Well, that does not have to be the case. Much of our lives were forced to shift online temporarily with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This Lunar New Year, we can try bringing those family vibes with the help of the internet. A Zoom meeting or FaceTime session can be the way to make up at least a bit for the absence of that special physical presence at reunion dinners. You might also try playing a few games such as a fun family quiz during these sessions.
Shopping and hanging out will be different as well
The Spring Festival is one of the most popular times for shopping. Special new year markets and items pop up. Everyone joins in on the party and the festive ambiance gets accentuated. Food sampling at outlets and admiring the beautiful Chinatown Chinese New Year street light-up are some popular rituals for festive Singaporeans as well as tourists during this time of the year. However, the street light-up will be turned off for four days during the period, including yesterday, the eve of Chinese New Year. The Chinatown bazaar was also not held this year. COVID-19 safeguards will be put in place at various shopping areas, stores, and restaurants. There will be crowd control and social distancing measures put in place across the nation.
A few more changes
There have also been instructions to refrain from shouting the customary celebratory phrases during the customary ‘Lou Hei’. Wearing a mask must also be a rule that is compulsorily adhered to while you are outside, except when you are eating or drinking of course. The popular Chingay parade has opted to go online this year. The number of parades and public performances have also come down this year.
Despite all the changes this year and the advice for restraint, the true spirit of Chinese New Year is something that cannot be lost among the individuals who celebrate the occasion amidst this global pandemic. The Lunar New Year is a time for spreading love through the family and community. It is a reminder of the triumph over evil, as is evident from the tale of the monster Nian being chased away. During our celebrations, let us commemorate the true spirit of the Chinese New Year and ensure that we celebrate in a more responsible manner this year.
Wishing all who are celebrating the Lunar New Year 新年快乐，恭喜发财！
Singapore tightens rules on Chinese New Year visits, dining out to curb COVID-19 spread –
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