In recent years, my Chinese New Year celebrations include not only the usual visiting and feasting with relatives and friends, but also a big-scale “lo hei” in my neighbourhood.
Every year, the Spring View Residents’ Committee organises a simple, yet engaging celebration for residents: More than 10 tables, each with a plate of yusheng, arranged on a basketball court.
Residents, regardless of race or age and dressed mostly in festive red, participate in this celebration graced by one of the Members of Parliament (MPs) of Jurong GRC.
Together, we watch a lion dance performance and receive red packets from the “God of Fortune” and two mandarin oranges from the MP, followed by the lo-hei.
The most meaningful part of the celebration is the acknowledgement of the hard work of the three cleaners who keep our neighbourhood spick and span. They are invited to receive a small token of appreciation from the MP.
We know them well after living in the neighbourhood for many years, and they have become a part of our neighbourhood.
Before dawn, while many are sleeping, they start mopping our lifts and common areas, and sweeping away dried leaves. In the evening, we can still see them clearing the dustbins.
During the long festive weekend, some workers were thanked for keeping Singapore humming. (“Health Minister Gan spreads cheer at hospital visit”; 19, online)
Let us also remember those who work long hours to keep our neighbourhoods clean.
Every year, the Spring View Residents’ Committee organises a simple, yet engaging celebration for residents: More than 10 tables, each with a plate of yusheng, arranged on a basketball court.
Residents, regardless of race or age and dressed mostly in festive red, participate in this celebration graced by one of the Members of Parliament (MPs) of Jurong GRC.
Together, we watch a lion dance performance and receive red packets from the “God of Fortune” and two mandarin oranges from the MP, followed by the lo-hei.
The most meaningful part of the celebration is the acknowledgement of the hard work of the three cleaners who keep our neighbourhood spick and span. They are invited to receive a small token of appreciation from the MP.
We know them well after living in the neighbourhood for many years, and they have become a part of our neighbourhood.
Before dawn, while many are sleeping, they start mopping our lifts and common areas, and sweeping away dried leaves. In the evening, we can still see them clearing the dustbins.
During the long festive weekend, some workers were thanked for keeping Singapore humming. (“Health Minister Gan spreads cheer at hospital visit”; 19, online)
Let us also remember those who work long hours to keep our neighbourhoods clean.
