24/02/2026

LYFE TUESDAY | FEB 24, 2026

23

Presence over prosperity

A T 12am, you are about to go to bed, when suddenly “Kaboom” – the loudest firecracker just went off, beckoning the dawn of the lunisolar (Chinese) calendar. Disgruntled, you ask: “Why can’t they pick a better time?” No, they cannot choose a better time because symbolically, the new calendar kicks off at 12am, marking a new day. Over the years, beyond the community that celebrates Chinese New Year (CNY), meaning has been lost in translation. Often perceived as a homogenous community, the complex multicultural background of a Malaysian Chinese continually reshapes its traditions, redefining the meaning of being ethnically Chinese as rules blur. To learn more, theSun chatted with members of the society to learn about the meaning of being Chinese in Malaysia at the culmination of CNY, marked by the Jade Emperor’s birthday. Beyond reunion dinners CNY is normally observed for 15 days. However, on the ninth day, people of Hokkien descent visit their respective temples to honour the Jade Emperor for his birthday – also known as Thnee Kong Seh ( Pai Ti Kong, Bai Tian Gong or Praying to Heaven God), taking place tomorrow. Occupying 34.2% of the Chinese population in Malaysia, it is only conceivable Thnee Kong Seh is celebrated in grandeur by Hokkiens. Nez Goh, 29, shared on the night of the eighth day, they will pray to the Jade Emperor. “As a sign of gratitude and protection, where offerings such as sugarcane, fruits, auspicious food, incense and candles are prepared.” Goh, who is of Cantonese and Hokkien lineage, noted sugarcane is especially meaningful because it symbolises protection and survival. Its symbolism is derived from an ancient, Ming dynasty legend. In it, Hokkiens were saved from a band of bandits by hiding in a sugarcane plantation for protection. They stayed hidden until the outlaws left on the ninth day, coinciding with the Jade Emperor’s birthday. For Chris Teo, who is of Cantonese-Hokkien-Baba Nyonya descent, the day includes going to the temple and praying. The 30-year-old shared the day is also celebrated by setting off fireworks in the spirit of celebration that good triumphs over evil. Generational gap The Chinese people in Malaysia are, at least, of the third, fourth or fifth generation since their ancestors moved to Southeast Asia, having set foot here as traders and business Ű BY VERONICA ELANKOVAN o Finding wisdom in traditions as celebration peaks for Jade Emperor’s birthday

the one giving instead. But, I guess that’s also part of growing up and taking on more responsibility.” Teo said she gets to see all of her family during CNY and catch up – and of course, eat lots of junk food. Her personal favourite? Bak kwa , a pork jerky that is smoky, salty and sweet. For Kong, CNY (or specifically reunion dinner) strengthens the family bond through spending time together, showing gratitude towards meals and prosperity shared. “Like every new year celebration, it is meant to celebrate new milestones and how far one has come. Also, a good time to boost my finances ( ang pows ) and connect with loved ones,” Tan quipped. Lost in translation For a community that is sometimes stereotyped as superstitious, many symbolic traditions are often trivialised by those who do not practice them. For example, giving out mandarin oranges on CNY has a significant meaning, but these meanings are learnt frivolously and not earnestly. “There’s beauty in it but it requires a lot of listening and patience to reap its benefits,” hoped Tan. Goh exasperatedly said these “superstitious” beliefs really boil down to “respect, relationships and family values”. Lau insisted there is a need for broader awareness of multiculturalism or counter culturalism within the Chinese community itself. Adding to that, Teo suggested cultural nuances should be incorporated into the education syllabus to promote understanding and tolerance. Ergo, the Chinese experience is not monolithic – if anything, it is multifaceted. Thus we are invited to learn the cultures as they are lived, not as imagined. Xin Nian Kuai Le!

Wearing red is normally the tradition, but some youngsters have deviated from it. – 123RFPIC

Thnee Kong Seh celebration at Tanjong Tokong, Penang. – PIC BY TC KHOR/THESUN

of sub-ethnicities, but is glad that she can now see the difference. Presence over ang pows Navigating through CNY and ethnic identity can take a toll on people who are just trying to get through the day, but within they also find solace and for some... meaning. “I used to hate CNY every year,” confessed Lau, as he used to find it boring to sit at someone else’s house for hours with nothing to do. However, he now finds the purpose in gathering for the festivity. “I realised the celebration was never about me, it’s about being present for those who are still with us, because slowly and surely, fewer and fewer people tend to be there as they age.” This sentiment is reaffirmed by Goh, who said CNY is an “excuse” for the extended family to reconnect and “remind ourselves that we’re family”. She said receiving ang pows is one of the highlights. “I know once I’m married, I won’t be receiving anymore – I’ll be

believer in just doing whatever feels comfortable or right for me,” he said, adding that traditions evolve and should not be forced upon. Goh described her multicultural experience as “a really beautiful” one: “Being exposed to different traditions within my own family has taught me that culture isn’t fixed”. Echoing Tan, Goh said it has just made her more open, curious and appreciative. Though she does not feel the disconnect between cultures, she just accepts that it is “how family works”. “Instead of feeling torn, I feel like it has added more layers to who I am, and I embrace both,” she said, sharing she would like to pass down the traditions but with education to discern absurdity from wisdom. Eugene Kong, 32, who is Hakka-Hokkien, prefers to go with the flow, citing that culturally they have deviated from the source, although “deep down the core values are still the same”. Teo said growing up the lines were so blurred that she could not differentiate between the celebration

people. This implies cultural values being diluted by multiculturalism, with new beliefs and principles formed that are relevant to time. Chad Tan, 29, attributed his open-mindedness to his multicultural and his Catholic upbringing. “It has enriched my celebration of culture, giving me diverse perspectives and experiences. Hence, allowing me to easily connect with people from different racial backgrounds,” Tan, whose sub-ethnicity is Hokkien, said. However, having been raised in a Eurasian, Chinese and Indian household made navigating different sets of beliefs tricky, with Tan often having to justify his identity as a Hokkien. Just the same, Nick Lau, 30, raised in a modern, “almost Western” household, said traditional culture and identities rarely followed him, who is of Hainan-Teochew-Hakka descent. “Anything that is culturally normative has always been a struggle. However, I’m a firm