I spent last Sunday at a coworker’s place, where we made brownies and played Super Mario Brothers. A non-conventional celebration, to be sure, but those of us who were there had a great time. We made the brownies together, which turned into a disaster. We each made a valiant attempt to choke down our individual portions. The rest was destined to become part of the compost.
I haven’t played Super Mario Brothers in eons. To be honest, it felt like we were skipping school to eat brownies and play video games. The four of us, ranging in age from 24 to 30-something, were jumping up and down and shouting at the TV and each other. It was great fun.
In a nutshell, it seems like the Lunar New Year is about building and rebuilding the relationships that matter to individuals. It’s a time for family and friends to reconnect with each other. New acquaintances visit and new friends are made. Traditions about how to bring in a prosperous new year abound, but the core point appears to be family-oriented.
In North America, and possibly around the world, the Lunar New Year is considered loud, red, gold, distinctly Chinese (which it isn’t, necessarily…) and focused on prosperity. While most of these aspects can be observed, the true focus is on family.
As I was mulling over whether the celebration of the Lunar New Year in Taiwan was akin to the celebration of Christmas in Vancouver, I realized that it was.
Brief and overly-simplified overview…
Christmas:
Colors – red and green
Food – specially prepared festive food: fruit cake, gingerbread men, eggnog, turkey, stuffing…
Gifts – presents
Religion – roots in Christianity and the Roman Winter Solstice
Main point – family, love, thankfulness
Lunar New Year:
Colors – red and gold
Food – specially prepared festive food: new year’s cake, assorted snacks, chicken, tangerines, expensive dishes eaten rarely, sausages…
Gifts – money in red pockets to children and students
Religion – roots in Chinese folk religions and Buddhism
Main point – family, love, filial piety, thanks for the end of an old year and a look ahead for the new year
There are many differences, naturally, but they do appear to be somewhat related. Regardless of the superficial differences amongst cultures, I believe that people are not that different from one another.
Happy New Year!
