CNY eggs-periment: Children attempting to balance the eggs upright on Li Chun day at Wise Junios Preschool in Farlim, Penang. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: The auspicious day of Li Chun, which marks the beginning of spring in East Asian cultures, drew crowds of believers to banks here as they deposited money in hopes of ushering in prosperity.
With a stack of cash in hand, 45-year-old businessman Desmond Tan was among those who deposited RM900 into his account at a bank along Lebuh Pantai, continuing a ritual he has observed for years.
“I wanted to deposit RM888 as a symbol of wealth, but the machine only accepts specific denominations, so giving more is better than less.
“Since starting my food supply business about 12 years ago, I have been taking part in various rituals following my family’s beliefs and traditions in hopes of attracting luck and blessings.
“Besides seeking a good year ahead for my business, health is another important aspect that I wish for my family and loved ones,” he said yesterday.
Born in the Year of the Rooster, Tan made his deposit at 10.30am within this year’s auspicious time window for the ritual, which fell between 7am and 11am.
Auspicious timing vary depending on a person’s zodiac year.
In Chinese culture, the number eight in Cantonese rhymes with “fatt”, which signifies prosperity.
Many participants also dressed in red and gold, colours considered auspicious, with some donning outfits themed around the Chinese New Year.
The practice is also believed by some to bring benefits related to education or health.
Li Chun falls annually on either Feb 3 or 4 and marks the first of the 24 solar terms.
Traditionally celebrated by farming communities, it was a day when farmers sowed their first seeds in hopes of a bountiful harvest.
Over time, the practice has evolved into “sowing” cash into bank accounts instead, with the same intention of ushering in prosperity.
Other customs include eating pancakes and spring rolls to symbolise a new beginning, or “biting the spring”, that is consuming fresh vegetables such as scallions or lettuce for good health and vitality.
Another tradition commonly observed during Li Chun is standing eggs upright, believed to symbolise the smooth reception of the Earth’s yang energy and to promote prosperity.
Children at a kindergarten in Farlim here had the opportunity to try the activity under the guidance of their teachers.
Dressed in red, they decorated the eggs with auspicious words before attempting to balance them upright on the floor.
The kindergarten’s principal Datuk Dr Lim Beng Suat, 61, said such exposure allowed children to learn through experience.
“We not only celebrate major festivals, but also let the children experience smaller cultural practices throughout the year.
“They may not have the opportunity to do this at home. All the children enjoyed the experience. It was a memorable activity.
“Parents too have been supportive of these (cultural) activities, which go beyond classroom and textbook learning.
“In some occasions, we incorporate cooking and the preparation of festive delicacies by the children, which is then sold and the proceeds channelled to charity,” she said.
