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Is Chinese New Year Still Relevant Today?
A debate for these times of wokeness and cancellation
Picture this: It’s Chinese New Year Eve. Your mum’s yelling about the steamboat soup being too bland, your dad’s fiddling with the mahjong tiles, and your younger cousin is TikToking everything in sight. Chaos, right? But amidst all this, a question pops up: Is Chinese New Year still relevant today? Or is it just another excuse to feast on pineapple tarts and stash ang paos?
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As a app developer based in Singapore, I’ve seen how fast the world evolves. (Blink and there’s a new programming language!) But one thing that hasn’t changed is the importance of traditions like Chinese New Year. So, let’s dig deeper — with a dose of humor, some real-life stories, and a sprinkle of harmless sarcasm — into why this festival still matters.
1. The Ancient vs. Modern Tug-of-War
“Why follow old customs when we have ChatGPT and online shopping?”
Ah, the classic argument. In a world where everything from groceries to Gucci bags can be delivered to your doorstep, why bother with the hassle of visiting relatives or spring cleaning? Well, here’s the thing: Chinese New Year is more than just an old-fashioned to-do list. It’s a cultural reset button. Think of it as a way to declutter your soul (and your wardrobe).
Take spring cleaning, for instance. It’s not just about tossing out your ratty old T-shirts; it’s about making space — physically and mentally — for a fresh start. And no, Marie Kondo didn’t invent this concept; our ancestors did centuries ago. Respect.
2. Family Reunions: Love Them or Tolerate Them
“Uncle, when are you getting married?”
Yes, family gatherings can feel like a Netflix drama: awkward, dramatic, and sometimes cringeworthy.
My not-so-young Chinese colleaque once said, almost poetically: if I get one more question about why I’m not married, I might just code an auto-reply bot.)
But let’s not forget the beauty of these reunions. It’s a chance to reconnect with family, share stories, and maybe even…
