.... of the "nine" taboo in ages

Yours Sincerely ( Y S ) remembers a certain taboo related with the number "9" in matters concerning one's age. It is about crossing the "9" taboo and is more relevant to seniors crossing the thresholds of "59" going to "60" or "69" going on to "70." The taboo centres on the need to smoothly cross over to the next figure. i.e. say from 59 to 60 and then one is assured of years of peace and solace until one reaches the next " 9 ", like 69.

How much water does this taboo hold water is seen by the number of people being struck down when they were 59, 69 or 79. So, much so that certain Chinese families play a trick on this taboo by skipping " 9 " and goes on to celebrate the next figure, i.e bypassing 59 and celebrate it as your 6oth birthday. So, a 6oth birthday celebration or demise age could actually be 59.

And of all the "9s," the "49" and "59" are thought to be of greatest significance. That is why many celebrate their 50th or 60th birthday, happy that they have safely crossed-over or seem to have crossed over. Look at the obituaries in the Chinese newspapers, you can never find the deceased age with a " 9."

Y S talks about this because he is " thresholding " over to 59 in a few days time, and has a year to live on to turn 60. Y S is not so much concerned about the taboo, as Christ has set him free, but more concerned with the UGLY FACT that he has only one more year in the fifties. Then, it will be 60 oleli, wor !!! (sob! sob ! sob!) He has also very recently joined the "High B/P gang" and has to devote a morning each month to queue for the doctor and medicines at the General Hospital. Life is still a four-lettered word - GOOD. If we gather all our troubles together and lump them together so that we can see each other's problem, I think, we would still pick back ours and be contented to live with it, ya ?

Anyway to grow old is to pass from passion to compassion. Age on. The BEST is yet to come !!!