Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year, is traditionally celebrated by our Asian community around the world with vibrant festivals featuring food, lion dancing, and cultural performances. At Team DUG we share pictures each year of the traditional lion dance through our office and our Malaysian staff celebrating with the Yusheng ceremony or “prosperity toss”. This year however, thanks to COVID, social distancing and stay at home orders, the celebrations will be very different. Our Geophysical Software Specialist Toon Hoong Lim takes a look at Chinese New Year in the year of the Ox.
“The Chinese New Year celebration lasts for 16 days, starting with the reunion dinner held on the eve of the New Year. The reunion dinner is considered the most important part of the celebration, where family members from three generations, living near and far, return to their home towns to reunite and share a grand meal at the round table. In the following days, many will pay a visit to extended families and friends, go to the temple to worship deities, and participate in the many activities revolving around the festival. Red, gold, and silver lions are seen prancing on the street accompanied by loud drums to bring good luck, red packets filled with pocket money handed out to children, the sound of mahjong tiles shuffling along with happy chatters, and firecrackers and fireworks lighting up the night skies.
“This year, the year of the Ox, Lunar New Year celebrations around the world will look very different in light of travel restrictions and social distancing imposed by many countries due to the COVID-19 virus. Consequently, numerous people living away from home will not be able to reunite with their families. For some, there will be no cause for reunion dinner as they will be alone, while luckier ones will have scaled-down versions. Parents will miss their kids and grandkids, even more so during this time of the year. Sons and daughters will not be able to pay their respect to their elders and children unable to enjoy the warmth of their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. In countries where lockdown is strictly imposed, streets will be quieter and emptier. Lions will not be seen dancing and drums will cease playing.
“Despair not, for every cloud has a silver lining. Living in the 21st century, video conference applications and fast wifi connection are such common things. Perhaps, many will be seen using the technology to recreate the festive atmosphere virtually – a reunion dinner conference call where all members of the family can be seen eating together, or maybe a call on the first day of New Year to immediate and extended family. This can also be an opportunity to celebrate with close friends living nearby.
“As for the missing red packets, there’s always e-banking.
“With the COVID-19 vaccine scheduled to be rolled out this year, let us all hope that we can return home in time for the year of the Tiger in 2022.”
GONG XI FA CAI
