THOSE born in the Year of the Snake are said to be wise, charming and perceptive, making them adept at forming lasting friendships.
This saying borrowed from Chinese astrology certainly rings true for businesswomen Pauline See and Khoo Wee Hong, who have shared a remarkable journey together.
Besides marking a milestone age-wise, the 60-year-olds are celebrating a lifetime of friendship.
Their bond began at the tender age of four while at kindergarten.
From there, they navigated life side by side, and even attended primary and secondary schools together.
“It’s a special year for both of us. To think we’ve been through so much together, and we are now reaching a new chapter as senior citizens,” said See.
The women have made it a tradition to meet up during Chinese New Year. This year, they will meet for tea on the third day of the festival.
“We’ve been doing this for decades – sharing a meal or having tea together to celebrate the festive season.
“We see each other throughout the year but since we live in Penang, we make a special effort during Chinese New Year,” said See.
“We also travel together. Just recently, I was in Australia for Christmas and Khoo was there too, so we had an impromptu meet-up on Christmas Eve.
“Every time we meet up, it’s customary to take a photo together.
“We have been through many ups and downs, not to mention arguments, but friendships like ours last a lifetime.
“With it being the Year of the Snake, which is our Chinese zodiac, it is a special occasion to appreciate all the time we have spent together.”
For analyst Flora Teoh, 36, and her close-knit group of about 12 women, the Year of the Snake is a poignant reminder of growing old together.
“All of us were born in the Year of the Snake and have known each other since childhood,” she said.
“We also attended Convent Green Lane (primary and secondary schools) and our friendships were forged in school.”
Although some of her friends no longer live in Penang, they stay connected through social media and occasional meet-ups.
Teoh said the group of women made it a point to gather during Lunar New Year and special occasions.
“We have held gatherings every Chinese New Year except during the Covid-19 pandemic period.
“Meeting up during this time feels meaningful, as it gives us the opportunity to sit down, reflect and reconnect.
“We share a close bond. Even though we might not call each other often, when we meet up, it’s just like old times,” said Teoh.
She said the women also made an effort to be at each other’s weddings and major celebrations.
“Now that we are older, we realise just how special it is that our friendships have withstood the test of time.
“We know the importance of staying in touch and being there for one another,” she said.
Software developer Jason Lee, 24, has come to appreciate how special it is to have friends his age, especially as he grows older.
He said he has learned that maintaining these connections and meeting up whenever possible are important.
“I am still young, so turning a cycle older doesn’t worry me.
“It is a sign that we have completed two zodiac cycles.
“For me, Chinese New Year is about meeting up with friends and celebrating together,” he said when met at Armenian Park in George Town, Penang.
As a working adult, Lee finds it challenging to meet up with his friends as often as before.
This year, instead of just focusing on Lunar New Year, Lee and his friends plan to celebrate each other’s birthdays as well.
“We may not see each other as often, but birthdays are important to us, and we’ll make the effort to celebrate together.
“We want to hang out together even when we are 36, in the next zodiac cycle,” he said.
For Lee, gatherings are a reminder of the lasting bonds he has built with his friends, and a commitment to keeping friendships strong.
