Connecting through Tradition: Local Seniors Celebrate Chinese New Year
The joy of Chinese New Year isn’t just confined to families in Singapore—it transcends borders, bringing together local seniors and Singaporeans abroad in a vibrant cultural celebration. Locally, a heartwarming gathering took place on 24 January 2024, where 30 seniors, alongside Lion Befrienders staff, celebrated with a festive lunch.
A Feast to Remember
Hosted by Mr Koh and his wife, the event featured a spread of traditional dishes such as pen cai, herbal chicken, and koi fish jelly. The couple spiced things up with a lucky draw, offering prizes like abalone and fortune cookies. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as the names of the lucky winners were announced.
Voices of the Elderly
Many seniors in attendance shared their stories of loneliness and the importance of social gatherings. Ng Choon Phuan, who lives alone and is battling dementia, expressed how such celebrations help him connect with new friends: “I am not lonely here because I can make new friends and keep myself busy.”
Another participant, 83-year-old Leng Sow Wah, reminisced about her tough beginnings and the rarity of visits from her children in Malaysia, highlighting the importance of social activities for seniors like her.
A Community Effort
The celebration, a collaboration with Lion Befrienders, aimed to combat social isolation among the elderly. Mr Koh, inspired by the organisation’s efforts, has hosted such gatherings for a decade, striving to enrich the lives of seniors.
Bringing Tradition Abroad: Celebrating in Ghana
On the other side of the world, 11,500 km away in Accra, Ghana, Singaporeans are adapting their festive traditions. Mr Scott Law and Ms Jean Ng are making the most of the Chinese New Year despite the distance from home, whipping up familiar dishes like koloyok as they welcome the Year of the Snake.
Culinary Challenges
While both find it easy to source ingredients in Ghana, they note a distinct difference in quality. “Overall, the ingredients are easy to buy, but you can never match what you taste at home,” Mr Law lamented.
A New Kind of Celebration
This year, the duo invited Krystal Joy, a friend from Guyana, to join their festivities. They reminisced about the family gatherings they’d typically enjoy back in Singapore, making the distance feel even more pronounced. “It hits a bit harder than at home,” Ms Ng said.
Gratitude for Connections
Despite missing loved ones and familiar landscapes, the trio appreciated the chance to celebrate together and planned to stay connected through video calls with family back home.
As Singaporeans continue to bridge distances with their traditions, whether through local gatherings or international celebrations, the spirit of Chinese New Year shines brightly in the heart of every participant.