Wednesday 25 February 2015

[Today] Education on Chinese New Year customs commendable

Amid the pursuit of modernity, we should retain and propagate the traditions during Chinese New Year that make us unique and the occasion meaningful. As our society progresses, some of these are being deemed old-fashioned and, thus, forsaken gradually.

So, what I found interesting about the Yeo’s advertisement campaign I have seen in MRT stations was that it educated me about the origins and true meaning of the festive celebration.

It is a commendable effort on the advertiser’s part to remind us to keep these customs and, simultaneously, educate the younger generation about the value of celebrating Chinese New Year.

I disagree with the letter writer who stated, in “Does monetary value in red packets matter?” (Feb 4), that the message sent was that the monetary value in red packets matters. Some children, when they open a red packet with a S$2 note, tend to be surprised.

I believe that the advertiser’s light-hearted educational message to children today is that the blessing of receiving a red packet, not its monetary value, is important. An explanation on the advert itself highlighted this intrinsic value.

Chinese New Year is indeed a happy occasion, especially for children, who get to don new clothes and receive red packets.

We should continue to educate them to be grateful for the blessings bestowed upon them for the year ahead and uphold these customs proudly.