By right, we should have completed spring cleaning by now (it should have been done before 23rd day of last lunar month of the year, before we send the gods back to heaven - well, that’s according to Taoist practice and that’s what my mum did years ago).
But these days, I am not too sure who else observe such practices. I’m a more practical person and I do my cleaning on weekends, regardless of day of lunar month. Heh... and today, I threw away many correspondences of mine since the 80s. Frankly, I had been doing that over the years and as I do, I would retain those that I could not bear to discard. So, only those that reminded me of defining moments and people really close to me stood the test of time. Until today. Frankly, it as nice to see these artefacts again - the annual birthday cards, my 21st birthday cards, hand written letters, photos, thank you cards from people whose lives I’ve touched and whom I had made an impact, etc. I decided to discard most of them today. It was not easy, being a dead sentimental person that I am. But I must say - once I cross the psychological barrier and start throwing one, the rest became easier. I still keep a couple of items. But I do believe they will go one day, just not today. I certainly felt a lot lighter after the whole process. Once done, I will start wiping, mopping, cleaning etc. the whole works.
And yes, I had also packed and move my mum’s bed to the storeroom, discard quite a bit of old clothes, donated most, rearranged my cupboard and it’s content, cleaned and pack my cabinets, etc etc. And this morning, I reached into the depth of my cabinet and took out the ang cai (a piece of red banner that is supposed to ward off evil and welcome good tidings after the gods leave the house) and hung it at my front door. Have not done it since my mum’s passing but I thought it’s about time I start to observe lunar new year more deliberately.
It’s a good workout for a Saturday!
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