2nd Day Chinese New Year

On Monday, second day of Chinese New Year we got out of bed the usual time then went for our morning walk at 6.00 a.m. It was all so quiet. Good time to meditate on the goodness and greatness of God.Then after breakfast as usual 7.00 a.m. I had my devotions.

I swept and mopped the floor. something superstitious people don't do for fear of sweeping luck away. We have no 'luck' only blessings from God Almighty and His blessings fill the whole house and our being. They cannot be swept away by the broom.

Then visitors started coming to pay respects. We had about 40 visitors today. It was an endless stream of visitors. We were quite touched when the Youth of Central Corps (church) came as a group in three vehicles. Two of our grandchildren, David and Rachel were among the group. We thank God these two grandchildren are very active in the youth group, the band, worship team and other church activities.

This custom of visiting friends and relatives particularly our seniors is a lovely tradition which the majority of Chinese still keep. We are pleased our Indian, Malay and Caucasian friends join in the celebrations. Our Salvation Army reinforcement officers in the past used to go round visiting during Chinese New Year. Our Corps Officer (pastor) Major Pascoe still keeps the tradition. God bless her.

The giving of mandarin oranges during this time is basically a southern Chinese custom. The word 'kum' for mandarin oranges rhymes with the Chinese word for gold in Cantonese. So it is customary when we go visiting to bring along two or four mandarins as gifts. The Chinese believe that even numbers signify happiness and odd numbers are used only for unhappy occasions.

As a sign of respect these oranges are offered with both hands. It is also the done thing for the recipient to reciprocate before the visitor leaves the house.

As Chinese we should seek to understand, appreciate and maintain certain aspects of our culture and traditions. I am sure our Lord does not intend us to cease to be Chinese or Indian or any other race when we become Christians. Christianity is not a western religion, neither is it eastern. Christianity is our relationship with Christ who died for the whole world.