LETTER | Chinese New Year is one of the most significant and elaborate celebrations in Chinese culture. Rooted in over 4,000 years of tradition, it heralds the arrival of spring and symbolises renewal, prosperity, and familial unity.

This vibrant festival is marked by an array of customs, ranging from grand banquets and the giving of red envelopes (hongbao) to dazzling displays of lion dances and fireworks.

However, as contemporary society evolves, perspectives on the festival’s significance and methods of celebration differ across the younger, middle, and older generations.

The youth

To the younger generation, Chinese New Year is a time of excitement but also one of mixed feelings.

On the surface, the festival remains a cherished occasion for receiving hongbao, and indulging in festive treats and lively performances.

It provides a rare opportunity to reunite with extended family, especially in an age where work, studies, and personal pursuits often lead to geographical separation.

However, beneath this enthusiasm lies a growing detachment. The rapid pace of globalisation and digitalisation has reshaped the cultural landscape, influencing how the younger generation perceives traditional practices.

Many young people, particularly those living in urban areas, find themselves gravitating towards travel, social media engagements, or cinema outings during the holiday season.

Traditional customs, such as paying respects to ancestors, setting off firecrackers, or preparing intricate meals, may seem antiquated or burdensome.

Moreover, the rise of social media has significantly altered how young people engage with the festival. Virtual hongbao exchanges and digital greetings often replace physical interactions, diluting the intimacy and authenticity of the occasion.

For some, the festival’s deeper cultural and familial significance is overshadowed by the commercialised portrayal of the holiday in advertisements and media.

To re-engage the younger generation, it is essential to integrate traditional customs with modern interests.

Schools, universities, and community organisations could host interactive workshops on Chinese New Year traditions, such as learning the art of calligraphy, crafting lanterns, or preparing symbolic dishes like glutinous rice cakes (nian gao).

Leveraging social media creatively through challenges like showcasing traditional attire or participating in festive trivia can make cultural practices more appealing.

By blending innovation with tradition, the younger generation can develop a renewed appreciation for their heritage.

The adults

For the middle generation, Chinese New Year is a bittersweet blend of joy and responsibility.

Often positioned as the linchpin of family dynamics, this group shoulders the dual burden of preserving traditions passed down by their elders while adapting to the modern sensibilities of their children.

For them, the festival is a time of reflection on familial bonds and a commitment to upholding cultural continuity.

However, this responsibility often comes with considerable challenges. The financial strain of organising grand celebrations can be daunting, particularly for middle-aged individuals managing the expenses of raising children, supporting ageing parents, and maintaining their households.

Hosting elaborate banquets, purchasing gifts, and preparing hongbao often stretch their budgets thin, leading to stress and anxiety.

Balancing work commitments, family expectations, and personal well-being during this festive season can prove overwhelming. Nevertheless, many individuals in this group recognise the intrinsic value of Chinese New Year in fostering unity, instilling cultural pride, and creating lasting memories.

To ease the burden on the middle generation, adopting a more communal approach to celebrations could be highly effective.

Families could share responsibilities by organising potluck-style feasts, thereby reducing the financial and logistical strain.

Technology can also be used to simplify planning. Mobile apps and online platforms can assist in coordinating events, tracking budgets, and even sharing recipes for traditional dishes.

The elders

For the older generation, Chinese New Year is a sacred observance steeped in nostalgia, reverence, and profound cultural meaning.

The festival’s traditions evoke fond memories of their youth when customs were observed with great fervour and respect.

They take immense pride in practices such as spring cleaning to “chase away bad luck,” adorning their homes with auspicious couplets, and preparing symbolic dishes that convey blessings for health, happiness, and prosperity.

Chinese New Year for them is not merely a holiday but a spiritual experience - a time to honour their ancestors, count their blessings, and pass down cultural wisdom to the youth.

It is a moment when the values of filial piety, respect, and gratitude are brought to the forefront.

However, the older generation often expresses concern over the diminishing enthusiasm for these traditions among the youth.

The shift towards digital interactions and the prioritisation of convenience over cultural authenticity has left some elders feeling alienated.

They lament the commercialisation of the festival, which they perceive as reducing its meaning.

To foster intergenerational understanding, the older generation could embrace a more inclusive and flexible approach to the festival.

By sharing their personal stories and experiences of past celebrations, elders can provide younger family members with a richer understanding of the festival’s significance, and foster emotional connections and mutual respect.

Elders can also adapt traditions to resonate with modern sensibilities. Instead of insisting on labour-intensive preparations, they can collaborate with their families to simplify rituals while preserving their essence.

The future

Chinese New Year, with its kaleidoscope of customs and values, remains a profound cultural legacy. However, its preservation requires a concerted effort across generations.

Educational initiatives, collaborative planning, and a willingness to adapt are essential to ensuring the festival’s continuity.

Incorporating technology thoughtfully can serve as a bridge between tradition and modernity. Digital platforms can host virtual family reunions for those separated by distance, while apps can teach users about traditional customs.

Communities can organise public celebrations that combine traditional elements with contemporary activities, such as cultural performances alongside modern concerts, to attract a wider audience.

The essence of the Chinese New Year lies not solely in its rituals but in its ability to bring people together.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.