Heard about all the CNY rules and feeling blur like sotong? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Even some Singaporeans get confused by all the traditions. We’ve scoured Reddit to get the lowdown on what’s really important this Chinese New Year, so you can navigate the festivities like a pro.
Reddit Insights
- Greetings are flexible: ‘Xinnian kuaile,’ ‘wan shi ru ye,’ and ‘gong xi fa cai’ are all acceptable, and you can even mix them up! Redditors agree, it’s the thought that counts.
- ‘Hong bao’ is the way to go: While ‘ang bao’ is used in Hokkien, ‘hong bao’ is the standard Mandarin term. Both are acceptable, but ‘hong bao’ is technically correct.
- Black clothing is a no-no (mostly): Avoid wearing all-black when visiting, especially the first few days. Add some bright colours to be safe.
- Mandarin oranges are king: While any orange can work in a pinch, mandarin oranges are the preferred choice for CNY visits.
- Hygiene matters: Don’t worry about the old superstitions; washing your hair and clothes is a must in Singapore’s hot and humid weather.
SG Context: What It Means For You
CNY in Singapore is a blend of tradition and modern life. While some families are strict about rules, many Singaporeans are more relaxed, especially the younger generation. The key is to be respectful of your host’s preferences. Remember, it’s about spending time with loved ones and enjoying the festive spirit.
Keep in mind that during CNY, mandarin oranges are readily available at most shops. 7-11 even sells them individually for those last-minute buys. It’s also worth noting that some Singaporeans do avoid sweeping or washing clothes on the first day, but this is not a hard-and-fast rule for everyone.
Singaporean Experiences on Reddit
Many Singaporean Redditors shared their family’s unique takes on CNY traditions:
My grandma was very traditional but the rest of the family is not. So when she passed we just use CNY as an excuse to gather, eat and be merry. Not really following all the traditional rules. As long as the ppl you with is ok with it then it’s fine.
Yarnarh
I’m Chinese but all my relatives don’t believe in superstitions, so I’m equally clueless about some of these. We don’t even exchange oranges, and my grandparents are ok with us wearing black.
RedditLIONS
some people frown upon wearing black or white during cny when u r visiting them ! esply elderly ppl
No_Awareness_9811
There’s a consensus that while some traditions are still observed, many Singaporeans prioritise hygiene and comfort. As one Redditor put it, “Hahaha yes pls wash, no one wants a stinky person in their gathering in Singapore weather (regardless if itz rainy or not)” – Otherwise_Reaction75
Also, gifting shoes is considered a taboo, as it implies wishing someone to walk away.
Your Practical Action Plan for Singaporeans
Here’s what you can do to navigate CNY smoothly:
- Use any of the CNY greetings: Don’t stress about which one to use, they all mean well.
- Bring mandarin oranges: It’s the safest bet for visiting, but other oranges are okay if you’re in a pinch.
- Avoid wearing all-black when visiting: Opt for brighter colours, especially when visiting older relatives.
- Don’t gift shoes or clocks/watches: These are considered bad luck.
- Wash your hair and clothes: Hygiene is a priority, so don’t worry about the old superstitions.
- Relax and enjoy: The most important thing is to spend quality time with loved ones and have a happy CNY!
Ultimately, it’s about respecting traditions while keeping things practical and enjoyable. If in doubt, just ask your host! Happy CNY, everyone! Remember to ‘Hong Bao Na Lai!’ (Just kidding… mostly!)
Source: Hi Singapore, ang mo needs your CNY answer?