Chinese New Year is a special time for anyone with Chinese roots. Days before the actual celebrations, thousands of people around the world travel back home to spend time with family and friends. Singapore is no different. This island-state has a population that consists of roughly 74% ethnic Chinese, most of whom have been living in the country for several generations.
Undoubtedly, Chinese New Year is the biggest festival for the Chinese people in Singapore and one of the biggest festivals in the country. On the eve of Chinese New Year, the festive mood could be felt lingering in the atmosphere, with many restaurants and shops, including the larger chains, starting to close in preparation for the long weekend. Supermarkets became feverishly packed with last-minute shoppers who were buying their new year goodies and snacks.
"Some things never change," I mused.
What makes a festival a festival? What makes such a festival special? Is a festival still special if it is celebrated every year? These were some of the questions I asked myself as I sat down in the car and watched the world go by.
On Chinese New Year's eve, I prepared to visit Chinatown, part of my yearly ritual that I have carried out rather faithfully. However, this year was very unique, as my entire family followed me along. Indeed, Chinatown on Chinese New Year's eve was the place to be, as tens of thousands of people gathered along Eu Tong Sen street and New Bridge road, awaiting the New Year countdown. A long, lighted snake lantern ran the entire length of streets, welcoming the year of the snake. Elsewhere, tens of thousands of orange lanterns decorated the streets—a sight to behold.
Walking along the small lanes, I passed by numerous rows of red lanterns, colourful decorations, and expensive souvenirs. Many people were shopping for good deals and soaking in the atmosphere, my family included. I passed by many tourists, some of whom were oblivious to the crowd, while others were wondering what Chinese New Year was all about. Seeing them congregate with their own kind, I felt a little disappointed on their behalf, as most of them would never really get to find out what Chinese New Year or life in Singapore was actually like.
Every year, there would be a countdown, which would be part of a larger celebration broadcast live over national television. At the stroke of midnight, firecrackers would be set off, and there would be a display of fireworks. This year was no different. Jostling amongst sweaty bodies and fighting the stuffy air, I looked for a good place to set up my tripod, I told myself that I would make this year's trip worthwhile by capturing some good images.
After the stunning visual display, the huge crowd began to disperse. Chinese New Year was upon us, and the next few days would be busy, joyful ones for the Chinese people, and an ordinary holiday for foreign residents and visitors. Having missed Chinese New Year in 2012 for the first time in my life, I suddenly realised why it was special—the familiarity, the crowds, the New Year songs, the snacks and drinks and the visitations—all these contributed to the special event that it was. I only appreciated it when I was away and could not celebrate it.
Feeling like a kid once again, I started to look forward to the New Year celebrations again...and all those goodies...