In order to let overseas Chinese enjoy the festive Chinese New Year season, Fo Guang Shan South Island NZ held a series of Chinese New Year celebrations on the 25th and 26th of January, respectively the 1st and 2nd day of the Chinese Lunar calendar. About 400 people from Christchurch attended the events, and besides local Chinese, there were also local Westerners, expatriates and tourists, all joining in on the lively celebrations.
The drum beat began at noon on the first day, and the lion dance sprang into life, drawing a huge crowd to watch. As everyone watched on in delight, the brightly coloured lion with its light-footed dance moves bowed to the Buddha and wished everyone a Happy New Year. The fortune god was also there to give candies, bringing joy to everyone and livening the festive atmosphere.
Everyone is family, and all of them came to wish Temple Minister in Charge Venerable Jue Xi a happy Chinese New Year. They include Christchurch Chinese Association (?) President Wendy Zhang, BLIA South Island NZ President Bernie and Vice President James Low, first Chapter Presidents Louisa Kuo and third chapter president Sally Lim, volunteers and devotees. Venerable Jue Xi presented red packets and spring festival scrolls of Master Hsing Yun’s calligraphy to everyone, wishing them an auspicious new year.
Amongst the people coming to celebrate the New Year were Vietnamese people. The ten pilots in training were of Vietnamese origin and often came to pray at the temple, taking the opportunity this time to also offer their Lunar New Year blessings to the Buddha. Their enthusiasm and devotion were well received by Venerable Jue Xi.
The temple prepared many exciting activities over the first two days of the Lunar Chinese New Year. These include ringing the happiness bell, offering the first incense of the year, lighting candles in prayer, flower offerings, sutra transcription, picking words of wisdom slips, writing wishing cards, eating auspicious Sweet congee, giving red packet blessings and spring festival scrolls, setting up a spring festival cultural lane, vegetarian food stalls, admiring lantern lights, art gallery visits, etc. Not only does this bring the festive spirit to the Chinese community, the Chinese New Year celebrations is also a chance for the locals to see the festive displays and experience the many surprises and excitement of a different culture.
