The Moon and The Nomads
October 6th is the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival of this year. Mid-Autumn festival is the 15th of August according to the Chinese lunar calendar (just in case there are other versions of lunar calendars). For those abroad, feel free to wikipedia what is 'Mid Autumn Festival'. It is in the middle of a lunar month so the moon is round, which means that family members should go back home to gather together (to form a circle - sounds like hashrun, hahaha...), eat mooncakes and watch the moon together (which is not the most romantic thing but definitely the tradition, and only if you can see the moon that day).
This year is the 1st time after 6 years not spending this day at home. Last year in Rotterdam, Cliff reminded me that it was Mid Autumn Day but we couldn't find ourselves a mooncake cuz the Chinese supermarkets closed on Sundays in China Town. (Lame!)
Though Mid Autumn Festival is not comparable to Chinese New Year in terms of family members having to gather together. Still it is a very symbolic thing to have dinner with your parents and then eat mooncakes. Now I have matched to Sweden and probably will leave in a few weeks. Mum has already started to talk about how happy she is when I am at home, which in a subtle way means that how sad she is that I am leaving again so soon. I know I cannot avoid this topic with my mom though dad and my grandpa haven't been very vocal yet.
Family and seeing the world, do they have to be different sides of a trade-off? So how do you as a nomad make your decisions? And how do your family feel?
This year is the 1st time after 6 years not spending this day at home. Last year in Rotterdam, Cliff reminded me that it was Mid Autumn Day but we couldn't find ourselves a mooncake cuz the Chinese supermarkets closed on Sundays in China Town. (Lame!)
Though Mid Autumn Festival is not comparable to Chinese New Year in terms of family members having to gather together. Still it is a very symbolic thing to have dinner with your parents and then eat mooncakes. Now I have matched to Sweden and probably will leave in a few weeks. Mum has already started to talk about how happy she is when I am at home, which in a subtle way means that how sad she is that I am leaving again so soon. I know I cannot avoid this topic with my mom though dad and my grandpa haven't been very vocal yet.
Family and seeing the world, do they have to be different sides of a trade-off? So how do you as a nomad make your decisions? And how do your family feel?
posted by Jingwei @ 7:58 PM
6 comments
6 Comments:
I remember the first time I ate mooncakes, I had these insane cravings for them for nearly two weeks. I still love a good mooncake - especially the ones they stuff with dried fruits and nuts.
I MISS MY MOONCAKES!!! :(
Once your family can understand the essence and importance of the decision, then i guess it will no longer be a trade off.
coz i think your family also wants the best for you.
well at least that's my experience before i left indonesia :)
with smile,
ali
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i missed 'diwali' 2 years in a row when I was in Bombay and Switzerland respectively. My family 'understood' but I can still remember the sadness in my mom's voice when she finished the short but customary prayer rituals for this festival.
I would always want to be a nomad, but to be honest- I am selfish and wealth driven regarding my needs in terms of family. The dream is to be able to be part of every single important festival for my family and myself whilst not taking away from the nomadic inclinations...
Nice and honest comments, Dhruv! ;-)
You know I spent Diwali in Colombo last year with Vaibhav. It was a very special experience for me though it was not in India. We went to an Indian temple and worshipped different god. Had an Indian lunch and bought each other a new t-shirt (heard that people should wear new clothes on Diwali).
And then he called home. And we phoned the Indian boys on AI. Sweet indeed.
Anyhow, you are home this year for Diwali! Enjoy!
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