Hinghwa Community Chinese New Year Gathering - Singapore Puxian (Hinghwa) Network

Hinghwa Community Chinese New Year Gathering Celebrated with Great Enthusiasm on the Fifth Day of the Lunar New Year

The annual Hinghwa Community Chinese New Year Gathering was held with much enthusiasm on Sunday, February 2 (the fifth day of the Lunar New Year) at the Singapore Putian Building. Members of the Hinghwa community gathered to celebrate this joyous occasion. The gathering commenced at 11 a.m., featuring lively traditional ten-tone and eight-tone music performances, elevating the festive atmosphere to its peak.

Zhou Jiameng: Upholding the Spirit of Our Ancestors

In his speech, Zhou Jiameng, Vice President of the Singapore Puxian (Hinghwa) Network and General Affairs Director of the Putian Association, reflected on the progress of the Singapore Puxian (Hinghwa) Network over the past year and encouraged the younger generation to cherish the cultural heritage passed down by their ancestors. He emphasized that the association is more than just a gathering place—it is also a platform for self-expression and historical documentation. He urged attendees, saying, "Here, you will find the stories, wisdom, and spirit of our ancestors, as well as the opportunity to create new chapters of your own." Zhou called on everyone to remain true to their roots and continue the cultural legacy of Hinghwa.

Meanwhile, Mr. She Wenmin, Honorary President of the Singapore Puxian (Hinghwa) Network and Chairman of SMRT Singapore, delivered a Lunar New Year message. He highlighted that the snake, a symbol of wisdom, resilience, and transformation, serves as a reminder to adapt to changes, seize opportunities, and forge ahead. He also recalled that in 1965, the Year of the Snake, Singapore gained independence, and through perseverance and unity, the nation laid the foundation for its current prosperity. As another Year of the Snake arrives, it signifies a time of self-improvement, overcoming challenges, and striving for greater achievements. He commended the Putian people for their unity, diligence, and generosity and wished everyone success in their careers, happiness in their families, and an abundance of blessings.

Huang Zhenxiao: Grand Banquet for a Thousand Guests

Huang Zhenxiao, Deputy President of the Singapore Puxian (Hinghwa) NetworkClan, announced in his speech that the "Hinghwa Day Banquet for a Thousand Guests" will be held on May 1 and encouraged community members to actively participate. Quoting the Confucian classic from 2,300 years ago—"Cultivate oneself, regulate the family, govern the country, and bring peace to the world"—he emphasized the importance of unity among Putian people. He noted that although there are currently five different Hinghwa organizations in Singapore, they all originate from the same roots, and thus, they should work together for collective development and the continued transmission of Hinghwa culture in Singapore.

In the spirit of reunion and celebration, Huang shared a festive poem composed by his father in Malaysia specifically for the occasion:

As the dragon departs and the snake arrives, the new year is abuzz with joy.
May good fortune and auspiciousness embrace all.
This year will surpass the last, with prosperity blooming like clusters of flowers.

When recited in the Hinghwa dialect, the poem exudes an even stronger festive flavor. On the spot, Vice President Zhang Zhijian was invited to read it aloud, transforming into an impromptu "Hinghwa dialect instructor." His authentic pronunciation and rhythmic delivery delighted the audience, evoking nostalgia for the Lunar New Year celebrations back home.

Zhang Zhijian: Centennial Mazu Celebration in October

Zhang Zhijian, also Vice President of the Putian Association, reminded everyone to stay tuned for the "Hin Ann Thain Hiaw Keng Centennial Mazu Celebration," which will take place over six days starting on October 18 (Saturday). He urged community members to make time to attend this grand event. With a deep-rooted history and widespread devotion to Mazu, the celebration this year will be especially spectacular. It will feature performances by Huang Yanyan, a Chinese Drama Plum Blossom Award winner and Vice President of the Puxian Opera Academy, along with a three-day ceremonial Mazu procession. Businesses interested in hosting the Mazu deity for blessings of prosperity and safety may contact Hin Ann Thain Hiaw Keng to make arrangements.

Lion Dance and Prosperity Toss for Good Fortune

At noon, a lion dance performance set the atmosphere ablaze with the sound of drums and cymbals. The agile movements of the lion symbolized good luck and prosperity, with each leap dispelling misfortune and welcoming blessings. The lion dance troupe then engaged guests in a fun tradition—tossing oranges, a symbol of good fortune and luck. As the lions playfully "spit out" oranges like auspicious embroidered balls, guests eagerly reached out to catch them, their faces beaming with delight. The entire venue was immersed in a jubilant, festive spirit.

Former Singapore Broadcasting Corporation (now Mediacorp) TV star Jazreel Low, also a member of the Hinghwa community, was excited to participate. Upon learning that touching the lion's body would bring a year of good fortune, she enthusiastically patted the lion from head to tail, enjoying every moment of the lively celebration.

Among those who successfully caught a mandarin orange were Vice President Zhou Jiameng and Honorary President Chen Dejun, their joyous expressions mirroring the high-spirited atmosphere of the event.

Prosperity Toss: Welcoming Wealth and Success

The most anticipated moment of the event was the "Prosperity Toss" (Lao Yu Sheng). Last year, Vice President Zhang Zhijian led the prosperity toss in the Hinghwa dialect for the first time, bringing much laughter and excitement. Due to popular demand, he reprised his role this year, allowing everyone to once again experience an authentic taste of Hinghwa New Year traditions.

Feasting and Festive Goodies

The joyous occasion continued with a buffet feast, where community members shared delicious food and heartfelt conversations. As the event drew to a close, the organizers thoughtfully distributed red packets to children and the elderly, spreading even more warmth and cheer. Every attendee received a festive gift bag, with seniors and children receiving an additional lucky Hongbao. The guests left with hearts full of blessings, looking forward to the next gathering to celebrate their shared heritage once again.

This year's New Year Gathering was jointly organized by the Putian Association, Hin Ann Thain Hiaw Keng, Licheng Club, and the Singapore Puxian (Hinghwa) Network, with assistance from the Puxian Youth Division.