Newsletter: 2022 January

“The colour of springtime is in the flowers; the colour of winter is in the imagination."

- Terri Guillemets, American quotation anthologist, 1973 -

Tribute to its namesake, Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and transition, we shall start the new year with a fresh chapter even though, for many African Americans, it is the last day of Kwanzaa. For those who remember the 1990s’, 1st January 1999 was also the year Euro, the currency for European Union was virtually launched, before three years later for the physical notes and coins. (yes, Bitcoin is not the first virtual currency!)

Many cultures have rituals passed down from one generation to another to kick start a year. One noteworthy to mention is Kakizomi (書き初め), literally meaning “first writing”. It is also known as kissho (吉書), shihitsu (試筆) and hatsusuzuri (初硯). On this day, many Japanese will write out auspicious kanji characters, phrases or resolutions to welcome the new year. Watch this clip:
JAPAN FACTFILE Kakizomi by NHK World-Japan.

For those who have received our monthly greetings for some years, you know you can still celebrate Christmas on 7th January (that is, if you follow the Orthodox Christian calendar. Suppose you are at a French home the night (or the Sunday before). In that case, it is likely you get to participate in the Galettes des Rois game and taste the delicious pastry for the Epiphany celebration (the arrival of the three wise kings!)

The third Monday of January (18th) is a special day for many Americans to remember Dr Martin Luther King, Jr and his nonviolent activism for racial harmony. This year, on the same day, our Indian friends of the Hindu faith will also be celebrating Thaipusam in honour of Lord Murugan. It is when the Tamil “Thai” month coincides with the Pushya star (also known as Poosam or Pooyam.) Now, with all the happenings, let’s get the year started with our best January greetings!

May the new year bring good health, happiness and meaningful times to us all!

A Journey A Month…

Your Story. Our Story. The Human Story.

Each year, despite everything going electronic and online, I will still go out and get a diary/planner in Dec as part of my new year ritual. Last week, when I opened my new 2022 diary, I found a pleasant surprise, a lovely note inserted in its cover.

Let me share the extract of the note with you:

“Just like when a new movie is about to be released, the year 2022 is about to begin. Why don’t you start the new year feeling like a character in a movie? Whether it is an exciting adventure, a heart-fluttering romance, a comedy that brings you laughter and tears, or a road movie that will heal your loneliness. Now, let a new story begin. “

What a nice gesture from the diary maker! Indeed, it is cheerful to keep writing our stories; with an open heart, the journey shall be colourful and enriching, and when we look back one day, all these will be an enchanting soundtrack of a movie or a canvas of a masterpiece, a work by us!

People often ask about our purpose in life. Viktor Emil Frankl, an Austrian doctor who authored the bestseller “Man’s Search for Meaning,” said it is not a question for us to ask. Instead, we are being asked that question, and we and our actions are the answers.

Let’s start the new year and enjoy another of our adventures!

Happy 2022!

The world is fascinating simply because differences exist!

Join us to spread the words, share the vision, and do our parts.

At TransCultural Group (TCG), we are determined to play our part in making the world a better place. We have launched an e-book for Youth. We have also uploaded the complete series of “Food around the World” on our YouTube channel.

Please share it If you love our effort, and please give us a “like” and subscribe to our “YouTube” channel (it is free!) Come support us!

Crossing Cultures – Beyond Boundaries

Keng Keng Tan
Founder & CEO
TransCultural Group
kengkeng@transculturalgroup.com
www.transculturalgroup.com

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contact@transculturalgroup.com