Lunar New Year with our migrant brothers
We came together to celebrate the Lunar New Year with 25 of our migrant brothers. Many of them hail from South Asia, but our celebration transcended race and ethnicity.
We kicked off the afternoon with a fun activity — the chopsticks challenge. Participants competed in teams to see who could pick up the most marbles with a pair of chopsticks. There was a lively energy with team-mates cheering each other on. For some who had never used a pair of chopsticks, there were hits and misses. Most of the competitors were quick learners, and the light-hearted competition enabled everyone to warm up to each other quickly.
Soon after the champions were crowned, we had a spirited lo hei session — an iconic tradition where everyone gathers around a large plate of yu sheng (salad with raw fish slices) and tosses the colourful ingredients together. Our volunteers Karyl, Jocelyn and Ming Huey explained the significance of each ingredient, before everyone tossed the ingredients high in the air while shouting auspicious wishes enthusiastically — hoping for health, success, and happiness in the year ahead.
No celebration is complete without snacks! Everyone had a chance to sample popular Lunar New Year treats — pineapple tarts, love letters, nuts, assorted cookies and chocolates — while chatting and swapping stories. To cap off the celebration, each participant received Mandarin oranges and an ang pao (a red packet) from Mary and Gordon. In Chinese tradition, these red packets symbolise blessings, and the wishing of good fortune. Though the amount of cash was modest, these envelopes carried our heartfelt warm wishes. Many expressed their appreciation, not just for the gift, but also for being included in the festivities. Joining the JRS volunteers in accompanying the migrant workers was Bro Albert Khoo, CSsR.
Agnes who is part of the JRS migrant outreach team summed it up best. “Seeing all of them laughing while handling their chopsticks, and enjoying the lo hei was memorable. This celebration was more than a festive gathering, it was an opportunity to share our Chinese traditions, to spend time together and create a space of belonging and inclusivity for our migrant brothers. I hoped they will experience many more happy moments while in Singapore!”
