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Chinese New Year is more than just about ang pows and lion dances

It’s also a time when many of us follow traditions that have been passed down for generations. But, how relevant are these practices today? And, do young people still think CNY traditions are relevant?

Image via Angela Roma/Pexels

We spoke to Malaysian Gen Zs, and here’s what they said:

1. “Yee sang to me is a vibe. I love tossing it with my family and friends, and capturing the moment on my phone.”

“Tossing yee sang has always been the highlight of my CNY celebrations, and I always share it on my social media. It’s a way of expressing my joy and gratitude for the new year.”

– Miko, 20 years old

Photo used for illustration purposes only.

Photo used for illustration purposes only.

Image via Ika Rahma/Vecteezy

2. “I think wearing red is a bit silly, but I still do it because my mum buys new clothes for me every year”

“She says it brings good luck and wards off evil spirits.

“I don’t necessarily believe in that, but I guess there’s nothing wrong with being extra precautious, right?”

– Kevin, 22 years old

Photo used for illustration purposes only.

Photo used for illustration purposes only.

Image via Angela Roma/Pexels

3. “Some people dread going to the temple, but I love visiting it during the festive seasons. It gives me a sense of renewal and hope.”

“We usually go to visit the temple on the third day of CNY, and my siblings absolutely hate it.

“But for me, lighting incense and taking a moment to pray helps me refocus and look forward to good things in the coming year.”

– Li Er, 21 years old

Photo used for illustration purposes only.

Photo used for illustration purposes only.

Image via Angga Ferdinand/Pexels

4. “I don’t really get the point of giving out ang pow packets that we end up throwing away anyway”

“My parents always insist that I give ang pow to my younger cousins and relatives, even though I don’t have a stable income yet. They say it’s a sign of respect and generosity.

“And, as much as it’s a pain to my wallet, I guess it’s my turn to start giving back. But one thing I don’t get is, ‘Why use those red envelops?’

“I mean, we can just use e-wallets or online transfers, right?”

– Lee, 25 years old

Photo used for illustration purposes only.

Photo used for illustration purposes only.

Image via Angela Roma/Pexels

5. “I think it’s fun to learn about zodiac animals and their fortunes for the year, but I don’t take them too seriously”

“Every CNY, my grandma tells me about zodiac animals and how they affect our personalities and fortunes. She also gives me advice based on the year and my animal sign.

“But, I think it’s just a form of entertainment and superstition. I don’t believe that my destiny is determined by the year I was born in. I make my own choices and create my own opportunities.”

– Jia, 25 years old

Photo used for illustration purposes only.

Photo used for illustration purposes only.

Image via Christopher Gerry/Unsplash

6. “Lion and dragon dances are lit, but I can’t stand the noise and the crowd”

“It’s a total mess with all the crackers and drums.

“I’d rather chill at home and watch it on my social media.”

– Jason, 24 years old

Photo used for illustration purposes only.

Photo used for illustration purposes only.

Image via Tong su/Unsplash

Ready to take on this Chinese New Year, with its mix of good old traditions and fresh new rituals?

Whether you’ll be visiting the temple, at home receiving guests, or creating CNY content with your little cousins on TikTok, you’ll want to look your best for every occasion this festive season. But with the mix of the typical CNY heat, humidity, and air-conditioning, your skin might face some challenges.

But don’t worry. This CNY, Cetaphil wants to help you get ready for a glowing Chinese New Year with their tailor-made skincare routines.

Image via Monstera Production/Pexels

Here’s a look at each Skin-plicity routine:

1. For normal to sensitive skin care

Recommended Cetaphil products:

– Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
– Cetaphil Moisturising Cream
– Cetaphil Sun SPF50+ Light Gel

Start by cleansing with the Gentle Skin Cleanser, which actively hydrates and gently cleans without stripping the skin’s natural oils. Next, moisturise with the Cetaphil Moisturising Cream, which is clinically proven to provide intense and lasting 48-hour hydration for face and body. Lastly, use Cetaphil Sun SPF 50+ Light Gel to protect against UVA/UVB rays.

Image via Cetaphil

2. For brightening care

Recommended Cetaphil products:

– Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance Brightness Reveal Creamy Cleanser
– Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance Perfecting Serum
– Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance Brightening Day Protection Cream With SPF 15

Use the Brightness Reveal Creamy Cleanser to gently wash away dullness and impurities to reveal radiant skin. Then, apply the Perfecting Serum, which is a day to night brightening serum containing Gentle Bright technology powered by Antioxidant C and Advanced Peptide with 7x power for bright radiant skin. Finally, protect your skin with the Brightening Day Protection Cream, which brightens skin tone without irritating or weakening the skin barrier with added sun protection.

Image via Cetaphil

3. For hydration care

Recommended Cetaphil products:

– Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser
– Optimal Hydration Skin Replenishing Water Gel
– Cetaphil Sun SPF 50+ Light Gel

Start with the Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser, which is a nourishing cream-to-foam face and body cleanser that cleanses without drying the skin’s barrier and is clinically proven to remove pore-clogging dirt, oil, and makeup. Next, hydrate your skin with the Optimal Hydration Skin Replenishing Water Gel, which is clinically proven to instantly boost the skin’s water content and maintain hydration for 72 hours. Lastly, shield your skin from harmful rays with the Cetaphil Sun SPF 50+ Light Gel, which protects against UVA/UVB rays with high broad spectrum SPF 50+.

Image via Cetaphil

To make your CNY even more exciting, Cetaphil is also giving you a chance to win amazing prizes worth up to RM38,888!

All you have to do is purchase RM88 worth of Cetaphil products and you will be eligible to enter the lucky draw and stand a chance to win one of these fabulous prizes:

– A trip to Korea worth RM8,888
– A gold bar from Poh Kong worth RM8,888
– Shopping vouchers worth RM8,888

The contest runs from now until 28 February, so hurry and get your Cetaphil products today!

Image via Cetaphil

Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate CNY with Cetaphil and win big!

Cetaphil wishes all of you a Happy Chinese New Year!

For more #lifestyle stories:

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Are CNY Traditions Still Relevant In 2024? Malaysian Gen Zs Share Their Thoughts