Balancing act: (From left) Kelsy Tan, 16, oon Joane, 14, and Kelley Tan, 19, manage to place the eggs in an upright position, which is only possible during Li Chun. — LIM benG TaTT/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: With hopes that her small gesture will bring her good fortune, 51-year-old Lee Phaik Yen deposited RM10 into her bank account on Li Chun, which signifies the beginning of spring in East Asian cultures.
Li Chun, which falls on Feb 3 or Feb 4 every year, is actually the first period of the 24 solar terms.
Besides the practice of depositing money into one’s bank accounts by Malaysians and Singaporeans, Li Chun is also a day widely celebrated by the Chinese diaspora around the world, especially the farming community.
Lee, who has never observed Li Chun before, said she gave it a try with hopes for a better year ahead.
“My family and I have never done this before. After reading about this tradition and belief from newspapers and social media, I got to know about the practice and auspicious time to do it. I deposited RM10 using the ATM just as a symbolic gesture, hoping for better fortune this year,” she said at a bank here yesterday.Lee, who sells tissue and soya bean drinks, was even dressed in a red top to “boost” her financial luck. She was among those who turned up at banks yesterday to deposit their money in conjunction with Li Chun.
Meanwhile, businessman Khor Heng Teck, 42, deposited a larger amount as he believes that he needs to increase the amount each year.
“About 10 years ago, I started my business selling raw ingredients at the market and it was tough with lots of competition. My neighbours were friendly and advised me to deposit some money into the bank account on Li Chun, which I did.
“My business went well and since then, it has been constantly growing. So I continued the practice and increased the amount to be deposited each year.
“Not many would believe this practice, but it’s a small way for me to express my gratitude for the blessings I have received,” he said.These modern days, the tradition has evolved with people depositing money via online and wire transfer.
As Li Chun signifies the beginning of springtime, youth or joy, it is synonymous with certain rituals and symbolism.
Traditionally, farmers would sow their first seeds on this day in hopes of reaping a bountiful harvest in the year ahead.
Over time, this practice has evolved into “sowing” cash into bank accounts instead, with the similar intention of ushering in prosperity in the coming year.
This year, the date for Li Chun fell at exactly 4.37pm yesterday.
There is also another tradition of eggs standing upright during Li Chun, which symbolises the smooth reception of the Earth’s yang energy and promotes prosperity.
Such an experience was the first for 17-year-old Amanda Lim and her friends at the Pinang Peranakan Mansion in Church Street here.
With some patience and after several attempts, she managed to get the eggs to stand upright.
“I have heard and seen stories about the practice, but never tried it before.
“It is true! It works!
“This will be a good year for me and I wish so too for everyone,” she said after her successful attempt.
