CNY Blues 2

A year ago I wrote about having the CNY blues. One year later, my sentiment hasn't changed a bit.


Well, I shouldn't be too quick to judge actually, since it's hasn't even really started yet. But I feel like it's gonna be same old - I'm just happy because it's a holiday. Perhaps I've outgrown the culture and fantasies of CNY, or simply because the festival has been diluted heavily across the years, but it just doesn't feel the same anymore.


I remember the times when the streets were elaborately decorated for the occasion. There was literally no way we could find anywhere to eat if we wanted to, unless we didn't mind overpriced pratas or briyani for a meal. As we were travelling around in my Dad's car, CNY songs were on replay, and we would belt out those yearly tunes in joy. The place everyone had to visit was the festive displays near the Esplanade. It was ridiculous, because we had to squeeze with so many people, and sweat a lot, and walk till our legs were sore, and die of thirst. And when we're done, we'd go back to the car that felt like a steamer due to the sweltering weather.


At night we would eat all the goodies, snuggle up in one small but cosy bedroom in front of the television, in our brand new pyjamas (which we always had to comment on how new it smelled; kinda perverse looking back o.O), and then knock ourselves out with the late night Chinese movies. It was simple, but it was blissful. The thing about CNY is it's never really magical or solemn, but more of a burst of prosperity and happiness. It probably has to do with being Chinese and stuff but yea, it's very cultural. As we grew older, we probably felt that there was no need for over-zealous celebrations and nitty-gritties. We are more practical, sensible people who have lost our grip on the festival. I know it's not a good thing, but it has become more alarmingly prevalent in the younger generation now, this apathy.


I grew up learning that I was the average person who always have enough, but not quite satisfied by that. I'll talk about it in my next post, for now I'm feeling too sleepy to think straight. I think a day might come when I'm too old for late nights.


Here's wishing you a happy CNY!