Karen, just talk a bit more about Chinese New Year, it would be easier to post here, for those who don’t want to read too much English…
Travelling is a chaos during ChunYun (春运). Air travel might be quicker and easier but majority people are living in small towns where can only be reached by roads and railways. Imagine thousands and thousands people are packed in one railway station and bus terminal each day it certainly gives you not just a headache but a desperation. So it is called the great migration.
A lot of traditions and customs have return to China simply because the booming economy. People want to protect their fortune so they follow the traditions,
and praying is a way of getting a peace of mind. The more money you have, the more superstitious you are. Happiness, health and prosperity are always in the prayer…
I am not sure about the new generation, as long as the elders keep doing it every year, it certainly helps to keep the family together.
Most of the rich and middle class in China went through a difficult time during 60s and 70s, the sea change makes a lot of people realize the traditions and customs is their culture but not the evil thought. The freedom of believing and religion is their life and they enjoy being a part of it. When there is a good year, you appreciate it, when you have a hard time, you pray for a better outcome.
Talking about Zao Jun, I remember it is one of the most important parts of the praying procedure. It perfectly makes sense, a full stomach brings satisfaction. As far as I know, my parents are still practicing it. It was a fun thing to watch.
Lucky money is my favourite part of the traditions. When we were young, we used to earn the whole years pocket money during the New Year period.
But nowadays Red Envelops become a kind of established practice between businesses and officials, a source of corruption.
I love giving my kids some lucky money on New Year’s Day to remind them their Chinese blood. I don’t know whether it will work or not. Hopefully the fact they could get Christmas Present and Lucky Money would let them happy to be a Chinese.
You are such an old China hand. Sometimes it amazes me how much you know about this country...
[ 本帖最后由 sandyyhl 于 2011-2-1 12:24 编辑 ] |