A TikToker shared in a post why he thinks Chinese New Year gatherings in Singapore are becoming a dying tradition, citing reasons like the older generation “disappearing” and the sense of a “comparison season” that deters young people from meeting up.
“Is it just me, or does Chinese New Year feel like the party’s ending?” Ernie Loh asked in a post on Feb 19, describing a mellow, half-hearted atmosphere during the recent festive season.
The 36-year-old dog trainer detailed four reasons for the perceived trend, the first being that the “glue generation is disappearing”, referring to the “one or two people that made Chinese New Year happen” in every family.
He suggested that others are not stepping up to take on the role of “social anchors”, with members of the younger generation choosing not to maintain attendance in the same way.
“Participation just drops, the energy changes immediately,” he added.
Low fertility rate and increased avoidance
Mr Loh also cited Singapore’s low fertility rate, which translates to smaller family sizes.
“Festivals rely on kids — noise, movement, density — and without that it feels controlled, quiet. Not nostalgic anymore,” he explained.
Another reason he highlighted was that gatherings had become “all about money” instead of enjoying time spent with family, as conversations often revolved around luck, horoscopes, and careers.
