My granddaughter was born in China. I have been to China and think it is a remarkable country, but my interest in Chinese traditions, especially the Chinese New Year, was sparked because of my love for this precious little girl.
The Chinese New Year, also called the Lunar New Year, is based on the Chinese lunar calendar. Unlike the New Year that is celebrated in many other countries on the first day of January, the dates for the Chinese New Year vary from year to year.
In 2012, the Chinese New Year is January 23, beginning a fifteen day observance that starts with the new moon on the first day of the new year and ends on the full moon fifteen days later.
It is the most important of the Chinese holidays. As it officially marks the end of the winter season, it is also known as the Spring Festival.
Families gather on the Chinese New Year's Eve or "Eve of the Passing Year" for a great reunion and feast. Prior to gathering, the home is thoroughly cleaned. This represents getting rid of any ill fortune that might be in the home and to make way for the incoming good that the new year might hold. The windows and doors have already been decorated with red paper cut outs declaring "good fortune," "happiness," "wealth," or "longevity." Firecrackers end the festivities of the evening.
On the morning of the Chinese New Year, children and unmarried adults are given money in red paper envelopes. Families exchange gifts as well, ranging from items used to celebrate the season - such as lanterns - to practical gifts such as laptops and organizers. Anything to do with Chinese calligraphy are also popular gifts.
The family gathering on New Year's Eve honors both past and present generations. The Chinese celebrate the onset of the New Year as one great community - the ancestors who have died and the family members who are living. Departed members of a family are greatly respected because of the foundation they have set for the family.
I am a Christian. My observance of any holiday is seen through Christian eyes. I see the New Year as a reminder that God is a God of new beginning. Our spiritual houses should be kept clean at all times in order to be closer to Him. Every good thing in life is a gift from God. He encourages us to share with others what we have. As Christians, we make a seasonal observance of gift giving when we celebrate the birth of Christ at Christmas. Our foundations were set in place by our forebears and those who have left a positive imprint on our lives should be remembered with gratitude. God promises that we will be joined again with everyone in our earthly family who is also a part of our eternal family.
There is one person I am determined to remember every day, not just on a holiday. He gave His life for mine. He saved me from my sin and made life with Him and those who love Him possible for eternity.
And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me" (Luke 22:19).
About Me
- Stephanie B. Blake
- As I speak internationally to English speakers as well as through an interpreter, some of my greatest joys have been speaking to groups where participation from the audience is possible. Not only do I value the input of those in my conferences, but if they are actively involved (share testimonies, participate in prayer, read Scripture aloud), it is obvious that everyone is with me. I am interested in theological study, Christian writing, historical application of Biblical principles as well as writing as a craft and the current status of the publishing industry as a whole. As a result, I find myself following blogs of those whom I have learned to trust who contribute information in those fields. It occurred to me that blogs are the internet equivalent of audience participation in a conference setting. So, this blog is a result of that discovery. As much as possible (sometimes when I travel I do not have internet access), I will be making weekly posts of how everyday life is related to what God has revealed about Himself in His Word - maintaining one focus on that most important relationship. I would welcome your participation.
No comments:
Post a Comment