“Welcome In! Happy Chinese New Year!” Hui Ying cried out cheerily as she saw the vivid shades of colours at her door step. Coming from a traditional Chinese family, my parents were very particular on having me wear a cheongsam on the first day of the lunar New year. As usual, Christine was in her washed out jeans and t-shirt. Being a Eurasian, she constantly complained about her ‘identity crisis’. Having a Caucasian father and Singaporean mother, she never knew exactly which culture to follow. Therefore, she was always dressed in casual wear. However, Devi was in her favourite purple sari while Siti was in her lime green baju.
We stepped into Hui Ying modest HDB flat. “What’s with the decoration?” Christine asked casually, gazing wide-eyed around the house. On the off-white walls, Chinese good luck couplets were hung in pairs, while red lanterns were dangling over heads. I began to explain to Christine and the rest about how it was suppose to bring good luck for the new year and also helps to create a festive mood. Devi adds on by saying that on Deepavali, her family would draw designs outside of her home to ward of evil. Siti also explained that on Hari Raya, her family would also hang ketupats around her house.
Hui Ying’s mother then approached us, her hands clutching something red. My eyes gleamed in joy as the dollar signs started ringing in my head. All 4 of us chorused in unison, “Thank you Auntie! Have a good year ahead!” Hui Ying’s mother let out a tinkling laugh and handed to us the red packets. Siti then took Hui Ying’s mother’s hand and shook it. After that, she used the same hand and touched her heart. Devi and I glanced quizzically at each other and looked over at Christine. Christine merely shrugged and displayed a confused expression. Later, we learnt that Siti was showing her respect and thanks to Hui Ying’s mother. It was in their tradition to pay respects to their elders in such a manner.
We then gathered around Hui Ying’s dining table for a little feast. Delicious, glorious food! We immediately tucked into pineapple tarts, melon seed, biscuits, sweets. A discussion of the various types of food we got to try during our traditional festival. Suddenly, I was opened to this whole new world as I learnt about the different delicacies offered by the different races. Even Christine had words of wisdom to offer. She started to recount the time when she spent Christmas in New York with her family. She explained to us the tradition of drinking eggnog. All of us were so engaged in the conversations of our different cultures, I hardly noticed that it was nearly time for us to leave. We even finished all of the food Hui Ying’s mother prepared for her other guests!
As I headed to my next destination, I started to reflect on our little “outing”. I had always felt uncomfortable when strangers on the street stare at us quizzically. It seemed as if it is a strange sight to see people of different races being good friends. However, I start to realise that it was actually a good thing that people from different races become good friends. In our interaction with one another, we learn to tolerate and understand the beliefs and customs of other races. In this current world with so much fighting going on, I think it is very important for everyone to learn about racial understanding and tolerance. If people could start to see what is on the inside and judge a person by the colour of its skin, perhaps this world might be a much better place! My most memorable moments would always be with my good friends from the various races as I always get to have fun and learn something new when I am with them.
