My kids will grow under Christian teachings, seeing that hubby and I are both of similar faith. But it was not always the case for us. We both became Christians only at a later stage in life.
So, I am not sure if I can say it is with regret that my kids will not suffer the same traditions I was subject to in my youth.
I use to dread Chinese New Year eve, not only becuase I am a girl and was expected to help with the cooking and mountainous cleaning. But also when the clock striked 10pm, sis and I had to change into some presentable clothing (which meant long jeans) and follow my dad around Malacca town on FOOT to visit temple after temple. My dad was an adventurer who believed a town can only be fully appreciated when seen on FOOT!
So, without fail we would put on our sneakers and begin our ancestory trail.
I remember wishing for my menses during this time only because that would mean I would not have to light up the big bundle of incense. Having to struggle and push amongst several other people who had open pores due to the heat and were pouring sweat in litres. Or to dodge from some of those who had successfully set to fire their incense and didn’t have the sense to carry that huge ball of flame above their heads away from eye level!
And having the much noted stomach ache that came would also bring upon some sympathy as to the long walk home. However, this benefitted mum and sis as well without them having to suffer the real inconvinience.
We did this year in year out. It was our family Chinese New Year tradition.
When my dad stood up in church one day proclaiming himself a Christian, this tradition ended. And in it ending with him, my kids will never experience this in its entirety.
Yes, we can go visit a temple, though whether I would subject myself to it again is yet to be known. But they willn ever need to light incense andstruggle among BO sticky people. Neither would they go from altar to altar asking for future results yet unknown. It would be a concept totally alien to them.
Goodness me, they might not even need to take the heritage route on foot knowing my hubby’s inclination.
So, it is actually TWO less experiences of mine that my kids will not go through. I am not sure I can say it is without regret that my kids will not suffer the same traditions I was subject to in my youth.
I reckon going through that religious stage and then becoming a Christian makes the change in spirituality more significant.
August 9, 2010 at 12:58 pm |
i grew up from birth till now in a Christian family. Sometimes I wish *yes i did think of it* I was not a Christian. I was very rebellious when growing up because of all the rules around me. Furthermore people labeling me as a PK. Abuthen, when I truly understand His Grace..I fully fully was in love with HIM..and I told myself I dont want Philip to fall away in whatever situation. When I realised how much I needed HIM…everything else is secondary.
August 10, 2010 at 6:30 am |
You are so right in everything you said here. I do agree with your last para. I’d seen that in my unimates who came from a non-believer background.
My mom is a Buddhist and my dad is a Christian. I grew up in Christian faith and my mom never force us to hold the incense. I have the opportunity to experience (not meaning practice) Buddhist rituals which my kids may not have. It is never a regret.