traditions

I never really cared for traditions when I was younger. now I seem so fascinated by them. not too sure if it was just because I got older or if it's due to me being overseas. some foreigners tend to overemphasize their roots. others forget them all together. of course most just go with the flow. every festival that comes up on the calendar brings back nostalgic memories or just plain regret for not having savoured them fully when I had the chance.

cheng beng is coming up. day of widespread sprucing up of the chinese graves. flowers... joss sticks... golden joss paper... couple years back I read that there was some kind of tradition which involved releasing paper lanterns (rises because of the trapped hot air). apparently it is a widespread practice in malaysia. I've never seen it. I mean never!! I'll have to say that I've never celebrated cheng beng per se. I think it may be a confucian practice. my family usually did all this during all souls' day. I mean the sprucing, flowers and candles. :p

living in malaysia, there are so many cultural and religious practices to observe. thinking back, I've never been to Batu Caves, or gone to a pasar for buka puasa, or went to watch the throwing of oranges during chap goh meh festival, or the Kuan Yin festival parade, or even the loy kratong festivals. now with such slim chances of making it to these festivals, such regret!! in Boston, the festivals are few and far between. tho I have to admit that I have not had the inclination to attend the St. Paddy's parade here. I really should go before that turns into another regret. heh heh. firstnight is mostly boring. that's also because I never bothered with the button. the fireworks and ice sculptures are awesome tho. altho these few years they were less than spectacular due to the high temps causing them to melt way too quickly or leading to unfinished pieces.

speaking of festivals and celebrations, someone asked me last wednesday if it was Easter. Hmm.... isn't Easter always associated with Sunday? Easter-Sunday. Boston-Red Sox. on top of that, she went to a catholic primary school. anyway, that got me thinking about how ignorant I am. yup, me! take Hari Raya. Aidil Fitri and Haji, at least that was how it was back then. now the nomenclature seems to have evolved to Eid-Ul Fitri and Eid-Ul-Adha. I don't really know the significance of those celebrations. I mean what is the story behind them? I was of course very happy for the break from school. loved the scrumptious feasts. but know nothing much besides the basics. Aidil Fitri came after Ramadan, hence it's also called hari raya puasa. hari raya haji had something to with pilgrimage hence the name haji and there was also the collecting of zakat. that's about all I know. shameful for a malaysian. I shall look it up!! tomorrow? :p

aiya.... apparently those flying lanterns are called kong ming lanterns. released during cny? so confusing. anyway if anyone can clarify, tolong sikit. just emphasizes that I'm so out of touch la. never ever seen one before *sobs*