Egg-cellent work: (From left) Jenisha Suba, Magnus and Teja Emperatrisa proudly displaying their painted eggs at Melody Kindyland, Penang. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Despite being too young to grasp the history of Li Chun, or the start of spring, a group of kindergarteners still tried their luck with balancing eggs on one end.
Even non-Chinese children joined in on the fun on the sixth day of Chinese New Year at Melody Kindyland.
Assisted by kindergarten principal Emily Choong and several teachers, the children – Eunice Chan, five; Teoh Wooi Yu, four; Jenisha Suba Narayanan, six; Magnus Ruy Tan, five; and Teja Emperatrisa Ezwan Shah, five – painted eggs and attempted to balance them at the front porch of the kindergarten.
Choong said the celebration is observed at the kindergarten every year.
“We started the event with singing and dancing. We then organised an egg-drawing activity and explained to the children the significance of Li Chun.
“It is important for them to know a bit about the history and the tradition,” she said.
Choong said that according to Chinese belief, Li Chun symbolises new beginnings, much like a newborn entering the world.
She said the egg, representing birth and renewal, perfectly embodies the idea of fresh starts, prosperity and a bright future ahead.
The celebration, which originated in China, signifies the end of winter and the arrival of a new seasonal cycle, playing a crucial role in Chinese culture, agriculture and even financial traditions.
Another Li Chun tradition is depositing money into bank accounts, as it is believed to be an auspicious day that brings prosperity for the year ahead.
Unlike in the past, when people would go to banks, many people now prefer to deposit money into their accounts via wire transfer or online.
Although urbanisation and technological advancements have changed how people interact with nature, Li Chun is still widely recognised and celebrated.
Furthermore, farmers and agricultural communities continue to plan their crop cycles using solar terms, including Li Chun, proving that this ancient tradition is still relevant in today’s society.
