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As a Chinese person, the lunar new year, also known as Spring Festival or 春节 (chūn jié) in Chinese, has always been one of the most important holidays for me. For many people like me, this holiday is a time for family reunions, feasting, gift-giving, and making wishes for the new year. However, as I grew older and became more exposed to different cultures and lifestyles, I found myself spending some of the Chinese New Years away from home. During these times, I experienced various emotions that reflected my connections and disconnections with my culture, my family, and my identity as a global citizen.
The first time I spent Chinese New Year away from home was when I was studying abroad in the United States. I remember feeling excited about exploring a new place and meeting new people, but also feeling homesick and nostalgic. I missed the sounds of firecrackers, the smell of dumplings, and the warmth of my parents' hugs. Even though I tried to recreate some of the traditions and cuisines with my international friends, it still felt different and incomplete. I realized that some of the customs and values that I had taken for granted, such as filial piety, ancestor worship, and respect for elders, were not understood or celebrated by others.
The second time I spent Chinese New Year away from home was when I was working in a multi-cultural team in South Africa. This time, I felt more confident and comfortable with my identity as a Chinese person, and I tried to share my culture with my colleagues and friends. I taught them how to write auspicious characters, how to cook glutinous rice cakes, and how to play mahjong. I also learned about their cultures and languages, and we had fun comparing and contrasting our traditions and beliefs. However, I also felt a bit sad and worried about the future of Chinese culture in a rapidly changing world. I wondered how many young Chinese people were still interested in the history, philosophy, and art of their ancestors, and how many were being influenced by Western or global trends.
The third time I spent Chinese New Year away from home was when I was volunteering in a rural village in Nepal. This time, I felt humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve others and learn from them. I realized that, despite the differences in language, religion, and lifestyle, human beings share many similarities in their needs, aspirations, and values. I saw how the Nepali people celebrated their own festivals and rituals, and I was impressed by their creativity, resilience, and hospitality. I also appreciated the chance to reflect on my own life and goals, and to renew my commitment to contributing to a more harmonious and sustainable world. However, I also felt a sense of distance and disorientation, as if I was disconnected from my own roots and identity. I wondered if I was losing touch with my own culture and heritage, and if I was becoming too cosmopolitan and eclectic for my own good.
Looking back, I realize that spending Chinese New Year away from home is both a challenge and an opportunity. It challenges me to confront my own emotions and attitudes towards my culture, my family, and my identity, and to explore new ways of celebrating and embracing diversity. It also offers me an opportunity to connect with people from different backgrounds and to learn from their wisdom and experiences. Ultimately, I believe that Chinese New Year, like any other cultural event, is not just about nostalgia, tradition, or continuity, but also about creativity, transformation, and evolution. As we celebrate the arrival of the new year, let us also reflect on the past, live in the present, and prepare for the future. Happy Chinese New Year to all!