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Give CNY songs a chance – they serve as milestones of our past
Gongxi Gongxi and He Xin Nian trace their roots to an era of war and occupation in China.
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There are many rich stories behind the festive classics that we hear during Chinese New Year, which serve as tiny repositories of aural memories and larger socio-cultural history.
ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG
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As Chinese New Year approaches, it’s hard to avoid hearing tunes like Gongxi Gongxi, He Xin Nian and Gongxi Facai at shopping malls, supermarkets and other public places.
They are as much a part of the festival as the red lanterns, scrolls and other auspicious paraphernalia that pop up at this time of year. But many people I know are not fans of such music.
