In the Chinese mainland, the Spring Festival is the most significant holiday of the year, symbolizing family reunions and the transition from old to new. For many, it’s a time steeped in centuries-old traditions. But for Celia Annetta, an Indonesian student at Tsinghua University’s School of Social Sciences, the festival holds a unique blend of heritage and local culture.
As an Indonesian of Chinese descent, Celia’s family’s celebrations of Chinese New Year in Indonesia trace back to her grandparents who settled there in the early 1900s. Over generations, these customs have woven themselves into the rich tapestry of Indonesian culture, creating a distinctive fusion that is both familiar and new.
“Growing up, our Chinese New Year celebrations were a mix of traditional practices and Indonesian influences,” Celia shares. “We would decorate our homes with red lanterns and calligraphy, but we’d also incorporate local elements like Indonesian cuisine and music.”
One of the hallmarks of Celia’s family celebrations is the combination of traditional Chinese dishes with Indonesian flavors. “My grandmother would make kue keranjang, a sweet sticky rice cake, but we’d also have Indonesian favorites like rendang and satay,” she explains. “It’s a delicious representation of our blended heritage.”
The festivities extend beyond food. Celia’s family participates in local parades where traditional Chinese lion dances merge with Indonesian cultural performances. “It’s amazing to see how the two cultures come together during the festival,” she says. “It feels like the best of both worlds.”
Now studying in the Chinese mainland, Celia finds herself reconnecting with the roots of the traditions she grew up with. “Being here has given me a deeper appreciation for the origins of our celebrations,” she reflects. “But I also cherish the unique way we celebrate back home. It’s a reminder of my identity and the diverse influences that shape it.”
As the Spring Festival approaches, Celia looks forward to sharing her Indonesian-Chinese traditions with her friends in the Chinese mainland. “I love introducing them to our way of celebrating,” she smiles. “It’s a cultural exchange that brings us all closer together.”
