Embrace renewal, togetherness, and prosperity this CNY
Just as we welcome 2025, it is time to celebrate Chinese New Year (CNY), one of Malaysia’s biggest festivities of the year. Malaysia is already buzzing with preparations for it – we see the decorations around towns and the songs blasting at our local shopping malls. The CNY celebration marks the beginning of the lunar calendar through traditions that symbolise renewal, prosperity, and unity. As we usher in the year of the snake, join Ouch! in exploring the customs and traditions of CNY and how it can inspire us to start the year with a clean slate – not just for our homes but also our finances.
Clearing out the old, making way for the new
One of the most essential pre-CNY rituals is the annual spring cleaning – a ritual shared across many cultures in preparation for any celebrations. In Chinese culture, thorough cleaning of homes symbolises the removal of bad luck while making space for good fortune in the near lunar year—a chance to “declutter” your life to start the year fresh and organised.
(Financial) A clean slate for the year
To start the year with a truly clean slate, clearing debts before the lunar new year is an important tradition in Chinese culture. This cultural act also serves as a practical lesson for financial well-being by building a debt-free lifestyle. This financial reset encourages disciplined financial habits and helps to set us on the right path for better financial management in the upcoming year.
Auspicious time with family
On the eve of CNY, families come together for a reunion dinner with family members near and far to celebrate familial ties, express gratitude, and wish for prosperity in the coming year. The gathering embodies the spirit of renewal and gratitude while strengthening familial ties and wishing for prosperity in the year ahead.
Tossing for prosperity
The tossing of yee sang is an integral part of the CNY celebrations in Malaysia. The colourful ingredients of this vibrant salad all have symbolic meanings, representing abundance, wealth, the sweetness of life, and prosperity. Yee sang is tossed high in the air together with friends and family, with each toss signifying a wish for prosperity and good luck, embodying the spirit of togetherness among family and friends in this simple but meaningful tradition.
Sharing blessings with loved ones
The tradition of giving out red angpao during the festive season is synonymous with CNY. Like duit raya, this tradition is a way of sharing our blessings in life, indirectly instilling the spirit of goodwill among our communities. In Chinese culture, angpao giving is not limited to kids and the elderly but is also extended to those who are not married. Whether it is for your child or yourself, it is important to remember to ensure angpao collections are used wisely. Put it in an investment fund or your kid’s education funds to put your money to work instead of wasting it on unnecessary things.
“Prosperity” is a word so closely associated with the CNY but clearly, there is more to CNY than this. By understanding the cultural significance of these traditions, we can gain valuable insights into the importance of family, togetherness, and financial prudence. In the spirit of celebrating our diversity, Ouch! wishes our readers a Happy Chinese New Year to those celebrating. Gong Xi Fa Cai! Nian Nian You Yu!
Find out more about Pusara Pro by clicking here or download the Ouch! Takaful mobile app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store today.
Disclaimer: The information in our blog articles and provided by our brand ambassadors/KOLs is for general insights only and not legally binding. We strive for accuracy but cannot guarantee the information’s completeness or reliability. For legal matters, consult official documents or contact an authorised Ouch! representative.