by Cardinal Stephen Chow, SJ
Dragon! Why do Chinese people have such a special liking for the dragon, even to the point of willing to give birth in the Year of the Dragon? Each of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac carries a special meaning of its own. For the dragon, it represents an extraordinary, outstanding, and ever successful life. Hence, for the education sector, there is a term known as the “Year of the Dragon effect.” The Education Bureau used to plan for a spike in student population six years later.
In any case, dragon or not, Lunar New Year is a time of joyful greetings, blessings, and reunions, especially for families and friends, not to mention another round of endowment for our physiques. We usually receive advice or warnings from nutritionists through media on how much or what not to consume, i.e., the yummy New Year’s snacks and meals. But then the outcome is either a successful or not-so-successful balance of enjoyment and health. At which end does the scale tip for you?
In general, we try to find an optimal balance for our needs intermittently after experiencing the effects of excesses and shortages. Such is spiritual discernment, which is an ongoing process as there is no constant optimal point in an ever-changing context. We experience, followed by understanding, reflect with our heart and head, confirm or revise our earlier decision, put it into action, go onto experience again and repeat the same sequence.
I wonder how many of us love to go around sending New Year’s blessings to our own extended families and friends whom we do not usually meet up with. I used to dread those activities when I was young, except for their ‘red pockets’. They were so boring and even felt awkward to me. Wouldn’t it be better to spend time with my closer relatives and friends? Why bother?!
But I must say that the older I get, the more I find meaning in meeting with those rarely met relatives and friends. They remind me of that long-lost friend, the me when I was much younger, but am no longer in touch with that me.
There were times when the paths of these seldom met individuals and mine crossed, and we shared emotions and experiences together. Wow, was I like that? Did I do that? Did I use to think like that? Those were my relatives and friends who have shaped me one way or another, lightly or significantly, for better or for worse, into who I am. I can either thank them or be mad at them. But when I look at the bigger picture and who I am today, I feel that I should thank them for being part of my journey in life.
It is desirable to connect ourselves, not just with our past, but with the past. Lunar New Year is heart-warming and meaningful to us because it connects us with our ancestors and their cultural heritage, hence, it reminds us of who we are. When I am connected with others, especially those in the distant past, I feel whole and assured. It is like I have picked up a few missing pieces of my life puzzle.
And when I am connected with my Chinese heritage, I am once again affirmed of my cultural identity. Identity is very much important to every one of us. One may get lost when one falls into the gaps of identities, i.e., when one cannot be sure who one is among the different partially connected ethnic groups, really neither here nor there. Of course, how bad this is would also depend on the person’s expectations or psychological flexibility.
In any case, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all an outstanding Year of the Dragon with every success in areas where you need to grow, to make a difference, or to achieve. Cherish these few days, including ‘wasting’ time with your family, and friends, particularly the re-connections with the estranged ones. And finally, enjoy the traditional snacks and dishes of the Lunar New Year!
A blessed and promising Year of the Dragon to you and your loved ones!
+ Cardinal Stephen Chow, SJ
