Into the Year Of the Ox

Chinese New Year is just around the corner. With a large portion of Thai citizens descended from Chinese ancestry, it's impossible to ignore the significance of Chinese social and cultural influences in Thailand. Last week, 'Muse' asked you what Chinese New Year meant to you in the modern sense. What makes the celebration such an integral part of Thai culture and to you personally? What is it about the ceremony and rituals of Chinese New Year that makes it a relevant cultural activity in present times? Here are your answers.

Muse's PICK

"Chinese New Year is a festive time for the whole family. Simply said, this is a time for family reunions. Thai people of Chinese origin will feast on great cooking and delicious foods such as steamed duck and chicken. Also, the elderly will give ang pao to the children. They believe these kinds of food and giving ang pao will bring good luck and year-long happiness to the family. Thai people are always invited by the Chinese to join the party and they may get some ang pao from the Chinese in return. Other than that, this great time can prove that Thai people and the Chinese are all Thai citizens who can live harmoniously in the land of smiles."

OMSIN JATUPORN

Senior student at Chulalongkorn University.

"For me, Chinese culture and traditions do not have so much influence on the way I live my life. However, sometimes I do believe in Chinese astrology. For example, when they suggest a few tips or guidelines to make your life better and to get rid of bad luck, I'll do as suggested.

"In our society, there are an enormous number of Chinese descendants living in Thailand. As a result, I think Chinese culture has played a very significant role in our society. Some stores or companies that are owned or run by Thai-Chinese people, for example, ask their staff to wear red in order to bring prosperity to the company. Even some people who are not Chinese adopt this belief. I think it's more like cultural assimilation.

"In Chiang Mai, a lot of Thai people celebrate Chinese New Year as if they were Chinese themselves. But I think it is fine if they want to do that as long as they feel happy with it or feel that it marks a good and glorious beginning of the year."

PATTAVENUS TECHAPUN

Business owner

"I come from a Chinese family, and Chinese New Year is important because it is a time to reunite with extended family we might not get to see much during the year. Also, as most Chinese people are very hard working, this is possibly one of the few times in the year we go on holiday. That is why it is so cherished. Even those who do not celebrate it can feel the cheerful atmosphere since most people will be wearing red! We Thais celebrate just about any occasion there is to celebrate, don't we? I think it is a good thing to celebrate, no matter what the cause, because celebrations bring smiling faces. That's what the country needs now!"

KIDANAN JIARAPRASERT

University student

Next week: The inauguration of Barack Obama as the first African-American president of the US embodies the long cherished ideal of the American Dream - the idea that sees the US as a land of opportunity for all regardless of their race. In Thailand, however, we're perhaps kilometres away from having a government leader who comes from an ethnic minority. 'Muse' asks how you see the possibility of Thailand having a government leader who comes from an ethnic minority. What do you think we as citizens, as well as the government, can do to ensure that Thailand can truly be a land of equal opportunity for everyone regardless of their race, religion or origin?