Shengliver’s Note: This entry was done back in 2019 by Jinghe, one of my teen students. For four years 2019—2022, Covid made such family parties impossible. Thank Goodness, the pandemic and its resulting lockdowns are finally history here in China.

 

My parents and I go back to our roots in the countryside for the Chinese New Year annually. This year (2018/2019) was no exception, but we had it the old style.

For this year’s reunion, Father and my uncle had a new house built last year where the former family cottage had stood. They grew up in the former country bungalow. The new house boasts a courtyard with rooms around it. The get-together brought under the same roof five families, more than 20 members, who were accommodated in the rooms girdling the communal yard.

To make sure there was plenty of food, Father and Uncle had bought a truckload of supplies—veggies, meats, fruits and all the other festive goodies. Throughout the festival, two kitchens in the house were operating simultaneously to feed the kith and kin.

I had a special time this year because of the atmosphere created by the new house. Meeting all the aunts and uncles and cousins made me feel the bond of the extended family. It is the best Spring Festival I have ever had.

There were a couple of small problems though. At night the adult male members of the family were playing mah-jong. It was noisy, especially after they had drunk. Their raucous laughter almost ruined the festive TV shows marking the New Year.

When I was told that it was time to come back to town towards the end of the holiday, I was overcome by a sense of loss. It felt as if a happy big clan had been broken up abruptly, all the fun and warmth removed from my heart.

Honestly speaking, right now I am already looking forward to next year’s grand gathering at the big house in the countryside.