New Year's Eve, we were at our son's home for reunion dinner. Eight of us sat round the table to enjoy 'steam boat.' It was a lovely time for the family.
The first two days we received many visitors - our relatives and friends who came to visit us to pay their respects. They brought mandarin oranges to wish us happiness and prosperity. As is the custom we reciprocated using appropriate words to convey God's blessings.
The third day, I had a hospital appointment, so the afternoon was spent at Changi General Hospital, In the evening we had two visitors.
The superstitious believe it is unlucky to visit on the third day as it might lead to quarrels. Of course as Christians we do not share this view. However, I can see the wisdom of resting on the third day. It has been hectic for many making preparations for the New Year, and after two days of visiting it is wise to stop and take a rest. In any case, it is not a public holiday in Singapore. People have to back to work and at the end of a working day take a rest.
The seventh day of the Lunar New Year is dedicated to man and is therefore every one's birthday! Some may make it a time to invite friends and business colleagues to special dinner. Another excuse to celebrate in Singapore!
Chinese New Year in fact lasts for a period of 15 days. Of course, no one today spend all the 15 days in celebration. This 15th day is also known as Chinese Valentine's Day. In ancient China it was the only day of the year when young ladies could leave their homes with mothers to the temples where they would steal shy glances at young handsome male worshippers. There is no need for our young girls to wait to do this. Today's world, young men and women are free to find their own boy friends or girl friends any time. Plenty of freedom!!
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