Last day of 2009
The clock is ticking. When the clock strikes 12 tonight, we will be stepping into 2010. People all over the world will cheer and wish each other a very Happy New Year. This event brings different meaning to people, some see it as nothing more than a change in a calendar while others, it symbolizes the beginning of a better tomorrow. :) I’ll place myself in the second category. What about you? What does New Year mean to you?
When I was a kid, the people in my kampung (village) used to gather near the river. Having BBQ sessions at the river bank. As soon as the clock struck midnight, many will jump in the river, sort of like body cleansing. Well, that tradition is now long gone. I don't think anyone would want to take a dip in that river anymore and risk having skin irritation or worse, nipped by the crocs! However, the tradition of having 'meriam buluh' or 'singkokobongon' in Kadazan still goes on. In English, the direct translation of it will be, 'bamboo canon', a home-made firecracker. And of course, the 'gong' can still be heard every 31st December. I am looking forward to the sound of 'singkokobongon' and 'gong' again tonight. :)
Oh, in case you're wondering. Nope, I had never join the midnight dip in the river..LOL. My family had different way of 'cleansing'. Instead of bathing in the river, my late Dad and I will fetch a pail of water from the river and wash our feet at home. Those were the days. Oh, I missed Dad so much...May his soul rest in peace.
Alright, to all of you my friends, wherever you are, may 2010 bring you happiness, good health and prosperity the whole year through. Happy New Year 2010! Cheers. :)
8 comments:
it's my first time to hear about that new year's tradition.sad how some traditions are now forgotten, right? in our place,jumping into the river wouldn't be advisable because of water pollution.when i was kid,i used to love swimming in the river.now,my daughter can't experience what i've experienced as a kid anymore coz gone are the days when the rivers are clean and clear.sigh.
All the best for 2010 to you and your family... CHEERS!!!
Happy New Year 2010 to u MamaMia + your Family! :-)
Greetings from England, Best Wishes for the New Year & may 2010 be a great year for you :-)
Happy New Year to you and your family, Mama Mia! :D
Hi, Mia! Happy New Year to you and yours! :-) To me, it's a new beginning and a time to reflect and improve. Oh yes, terjun laut or sungai macam masih ada lagi, but nda ramai yang buat la.
Usually, kami cuci muka jak di rumah atau siram2 kaki, tangan and some pi mandi, but nda mau la sekarang coz nanti badan masuk angin!
Cheers! *Ada main gong la tempat ko?* ;-)
Hi Mamamia, happy new year to you and all at home and the very best of 2010.
You stay young, stay beautiful and keep a song in your heart, best regards, Lee.
femmepower ~ yeah, the river i mentioned in my post is also polluted. it is sad that the younger generation could no longer enjoy swimming in the river.
STP ~ all the best to you & family too, STP! :)
Dora ~ Happy new year to you & family, Dora!
CharmaineZoe ~ wow..all the way from England! Hello,Charmaine! Wishing you the best of 2010 to you too..:)
Cindy ~ Same to you, Cindy!
ChocMintGirl ~ kami pun sama, cuci muka, kaki & tangan saja di rumah..pakai air paip..hihi..
Ada bah, urang kampung kais main gong dia blg mama sia. tapi sia termiss pulak..nti sia cerita in my next post. :)
Uncle Lee ~ Thx, Uncle Lee. :)
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