kung hee fatt choy!
7 02 2008For the past two weeks my mum has been persistently reminding me about Chinese New Year. I really find it admirable, because she hasn’t really celebrated it ‘the real way’ in decades. My favourite part of the festivities isn’t just the celebratory meal – but the ‘lucky money’. It’s a red packet filled with money that people give to others, wishing them luck. A wonderful sentiment…
I’m always humbled around this time of year, because Chinese New Year tends to fall in the same month as Black History Month, and it’s never a competition. I feel very blessed to be able to celebrate both, and be reminded of both cultures’ traditions and histories. Inside I smile because the cultures are more alike than dissimilar and to be able to have the best of all worlds is symbolic of much more…much more than I can explain.
So, kung hee fatt choy!
I think it’s awesome that here in Canada, everyone is welcome to join in on all cultural celebrations and that everyone is educated about them. It’s a sign, in my view, that we are truly a global nation. It makes us as a society all the more richer in experience. The best part about celebrating cultural events, besides the education, is the food! I ate too much last night and am paying for it today (Tums, anyone?). Enjoy the Year of the Rat and Black History Month everyone. Bon Appetit!
you know…
to be honest…
if one didnt ask or reveal…
i wouldve never known about your half asian heritage…
moving on…
im excited about the surging mixed race generation to come out of hiding…
theres gonna be such a shift in ones perception of race…but in a good way…
its all gonna be grey…you know…
no longer black and white…literally…
its like gettin excited about gentrification…
tho theres time involved…but we can def predict it coming…
i dont have the patience…myself…but still excited for it all…
get me?
JC - It’s always a beautiful thing to celebrate and learn about other cultures simultaneously. In this case, learning even more about my own heritage is sometimes the most important feat!
CH - It’s definitely a fascinating subject area. I’m also excited about the possibilities! It’s definitely a sign of the times, and of our society. It speaks to what we’re striving for and how we’re evolving. It’s a wonderful era we’re in! Thanks C.