From adopting new traditions to the first reunion dinner as a married couple, three ladies reflect on sharing beloved CNY rituals with their spouses
A time for families to reunite and embrace a fresh start together, Chinese New Year in Southeast Asia also presents a myriad of heartwarming ways that different cultures come together in respect and appreciation for one another. Perhaps the most obvious example of this is interracial marriage.
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From newlyweds spending their first Chinese New Year as a married couple to a husband-and-wife duo just shy of their 20th wedding anniversary, Tatler speaks with three couples from Malaysia, Hong Kong and Singapore to learn the tales, traditions and customs that bind them together this festive season.
Jenn Low and Luke Elliott, Malaysia
How long have you been married?
Low: We first met in 2005 and got together in 2009. We have been married for 10 years this year!
What's your earliest Chinese New Year memory together?
The first time Luke celebrated Chinese New Year with my family was truly special–we had the reunion dinner at my grandma’s place with all my extended relatives, and it was heartwarming for me to see him fit right in at home.
Tell us about the Chinese New Year traditions in your household.
Food is a big part of our family, so a big part of our tradition involves getting yummy snacks like cookies and bakkwa, buying the freshest ingredients to make a hearty home-cooked meal and definitely lots of lou sang and drinks. My kids Olivia and Oscar are growing up so quickly, and we love exposing them to these traditions as they begin to understand them better. This year, we customised matching outfits too, which the kids love!
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