I love working with students at work and they are getting younger and younger. Actually, I am not getting any younger. Boo hoo. However some 21 year olds are quite mature, but some are just so so young! I remember by 21 I had to do everything myself, from budgeting to paying bills to washing, cleaning and cooking. Hmm that just made me even older. I know how I used to dread it when my mom said things like, 'well, when I was 21, I did this and that...we had no computer...bla bla...'
Now I know what she meant!
However old I am or will be, one thing I will never understand is Chinese superstitions and some traditions. They are insulting, silly, and very unnecessary. Growing up in a family that holds no superstitions and traditions whatsoever, coming to Australia gave me a huge culture shock (yes, believe it) nine years ago. When I moved in with 7 other Chinese girls from Malaysia, some of which were strong believers of superstition. Oh my goodness, I was in for such a huge shock! I had never been exposed to superstitions and the like and I remember being seriously told off for doing something like stirring a hot drink because it will 'make me dizzy'. I remember housemates moving out 3am to avoid bad luck. Oh dear...poor things.
What is the value of Chinese superstitions in our society today? What is the point of superstitions when so logically, sweeping the floor on a specific day (ie. One of the days in CNY- I'm not sure which one/s) will not make any difference? How can dust bring you bad luck, I have no idea. It's just dust. Will having a jade replica of a wombok (Chinese vegetable) bring good luck when placed in an office window in a certain position? Logically, I certainly think not. What would make someone think it would anyway? Would getting in a Feng Shui master to design your house make you any happier or richer? Logically, no. If it did, everybody would be happy and rich and there will be no economic crisis now. Will having someone's little boy pee on your wedding bed make your firstborn a boy? It's so ridiculous it's laughable. God gives you what He wants to give.
Why be bonded by bogus claims and beliefs when life can be much simpler and happier without them? Yep, surprisingly coming to Australia has opened my eyes to Chinese customs and traditions, which has been nearly non-existent in my life until recently. Truth be told, I somehow just can't get my head around some of the beliefs. What drives superstitions and beliefs? I would love to find out one day.
Having said all that, I totally respect the fact that some people choose to believe in superstitions. I am not condemming anyone- I am simply being vocal about what I think :O On the other hand, it's enriching to know of Chinese customs and some traditions- and I have a long way to go in that area.
I remember grandma telling me 'it's unecessary stress' when I was younger. Surprised? I am too. Even grandma doesn't believe them.
However strongly I feel about not believing in bogusness, it's probably a good thing to know of Chinese superstition for some amusement and general knowledge. Other than that, I really cannot come to terms with superstitions. I find it insulting, uneccessary and painstaking. I cant' help it!
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