Chang Festival

For my extended family, Chinese festivals are a time to get together to feast. The tradition of gathering for a meal has long been inculcated since the days when my grandparents were still around. If we delve deeper, one would realise that the food is really secondary to the company. 

When my Dad was alive, he would always insist that we attend such gatherings as a family. We would mark down such dates in our diaries at the beginning of the year and make every effort to be present. The same still holds true now. I diligently pen down the dates every January 1st, upon receipt of an annual email from my Aunt that spells out the various occasions - festivals and commemorations alike.

Sometimes the thought of whether such a tradition will continue over time does cross my mind. What I have come to realise is that there needs to be a member of the family who will 'champion' the practice. I hope that in time, my cousins and I will share this role. But for the moment, we shall happily let our elders do the necessary.


Dragon Boat or Chang Festival, celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th month of the lunar calendar.