SARAWAK, a land known for its diverse cultures, epitomises the concept of ‘segulai sejalai’, which means togetherness in unity.
This phrase reflects the state’s commitment to unity, despite its varied cultural landscape.
In this spirit of inclusivity, the New Sarawak Tribune explores the heartwarming celebration of Chinese New Year (CNY) by mixed-marriage families, emphasising the strength found in unity and the beauty of cultural diversity.
Born into a family of diverse backgrounds, Norliza Kasim has added diversity to her family tree by marrying a Chinese gentleman Lucas Liew Jak Khing. Their union symbolised the beauty of diversity and the celebration of cultural harmony.
The couple’s journey began amidst their professional collaboration at a local company, where their affection for each other blossomed.
Seven years into their marriage, Norliza and Lucas have been blessed with a beautiful daughter named Arabelle Liew Xuan.
Excitedly anticipating the CNY festivities, Norliza expressed that their family traditionally celebrates at her in-laws’ home.
To add to the joy and festive atmosphere, Norliza always brings her mother, who is a Chinese converted to Islam, to join them for the new year’s eve dinner.
She shared that the highlight of the CNY’s Eve dinner is the gathering of all family members, fostering a sense of togetherness and warmth.
“In our family, the CNY’s Eve dinner holds great significance. If any family member is unable to join us that evening, we will have an early dinner. The main thing is that we must feast together, even if it’s a bit earlier.
“And we usually welcome the new year at my mother-in-law’s house, where we stay throughout the festivities,” Norliza explained.
At their own home, they adorn it with CNY decorations until the conclusion of Chap Goh Mei, creating an atmosphere of shared celebration.
Norliza expressed gratitude for her understanding and respectful in-laws, who have provided special cooking equipment and a halal section in their kitchen for her convenience.
“Alhamdulillah, I am blessed with in-laws who are very understanding and respectful of their daughter-in-law’s religion,” she added.
Sharing insights into their favourite dishes during the CNY, Norliza revealed that they relish uncommon delicacies such as fish maw soup, Chinese silver paper chicken, and ‘ngor hiang’.
On the same note, she emphasised the significance of festive seasons as moments to reunite with loved ones.
In her view, the CNY serves as a special occasion where family members, especially those living far away due to work or other commitments, come together to celebrate.
“It’s during this time that most relatives from afar return home to visit and reconnect with each other. It’s also an opportunity to get to know cousins, aunts, and uncles from both sides of my in-laws’ family,” she said.
Reflecting on her own family’s diversity, Norliza highlighted the joyous atmosphere created by the presence of her Iban and Bidayuh relatives from her mother’s side, enriching the celebrations with various languages and cultural traditions.
She reiterated that festive seasons represent a time of togetherness and bonding with family members.
When asked about advice for other intermarriage couples navigating the CNY celebrations while honouring both cultural backgrounds, Norliza emphasised the importance of cherishing and embracing one’s culture and heritage.
“As a Muslim, there’s nothing wrong with celebrating CNY as long as it doesn’t contradict Islamic teachings,” she asserted.
She emphasised the significance of embracing Chinese culture as part of their identity and teaching their children the importance of cultural diversity.
She also expressed gratitude towards her in-laws for accepting their interfaith marriage, despite her husband’s conversion to Islam.
“For me, my partner, upon embracing Islam, learned to fast and celebrate Eid with us. Furthermore, he converted, and he’s Chinese.
“Anything that can be celebrated without conflicting with Islamic teachings, I will do as a gesture of appreciation towards his family for accepting me as their daughter-in-law,” she said.
Meanwhile, Jonia Teo Hui Ing eagerly anticipates celebrating CNY this year, marking her first celebration of the festival with her husband, Gordon Surein Raj.
Having tied the knot in 2023, Teo, whose father is Chinese and mother is Bidayuh, embraced the cultural differences that characterise Sarawak’s diverse population.
According to Teo, her husband, Gordon, who is of Indian-Bidayuh descent, has also cultivated friendships across various cultural backgrounds.
She expressed delight in sharing the CNY festivities with Gordon, highlighting his openness to embracing traditions beyond his own cultural upbringing.
“My husband may come from a different family background, but he was not solely raised in the Indian culture or environment. I am surprised that he has made many friends from the Dayak and Chinese communities.
“Celebrating CNY is something we always look forward to every year. He compromises and enjoys the celebration like everyone else, just as I do during Deepavali, an experience I am happy to have for the first time.
“For us, celebrating CNY is about coming together with family, giving ‘ang pao’ to parents and relatives, and maintaining strong family ties.”
Teo added that their cherished tradition of welcoming the new year with midnight fireworks symbolises prosperity and new beginnings.
Their traditions remain rooted in visiting Teo’s family home for dinner on the eve of CNY and the first day, where they exchange ‘ang pao’ with parents and relatives.
“My husband will purchase an abundance of fireworks because he believes it symbolises the celebration of prosperity.
“As this year marks our first CNY as a married couple, preparing ‘ang pao’ for our loved ones brings us immense joy. We believe in the adage ‘the more you give, the more you receive’,” Teo added.
Food plays a central role in their celebrations, with Teo’s father preparing traditional Chinese dishes, including ‘yee sang’, as the main course.
They also adhere to customary beliefs passed down by their elders, such as refraining from sweeping the house on the first day of the new year.
Looking ahead, Teo and Gordon’s hopes for the new year include maintaining good health, financial stability, and prosperity.
As such, their story reflects the beauty of cultural harmony and the shared values of family and tradition, exemplifying the spirit of unity and celebration that defines the CNY in Sarawak.
