It is always a pleasure to be among friends, especially on such a happy occasion. The Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival, welcomes the coming of the spring after a long winter.
Spring brings with it the hope of new life and better times ahead.
It is the occasion for joyous and propitious celebrations in the agrarian societies of our ancestors. Although Singapore does not experience the four seasons, and we now live in a completely different society, this festival enables Chinese Singaporeans to be reminded of their cultural traditions and heritage. Customs and practices, such as spring cleaning our homes to be ready to welcome guests, wearing new clothes, entertaining relatives, friends and neighbours with sweetmeats and pastries, and exchanging mandarin oranges, greetings and red packets, are all part of this tradition. These customs and traditions continue to serve an important social purpose to help us bond with each other as a community. The Lunar New Year festival is also an occasion for renewing family ties the family reunion dinners, and family gatherings and visitations emphasize the importance of the family and help strengthen the family bond.