Chinese New Year and Christianity
My granddaughter was born in China. I have been to China and I think it is a remarkable country, but my interest in Chinese traditions, especially Chinese New Year, came about because of my love for this beautiful girl.
Chinese New Year, also called Lunar New Year, is based on the Chinese lunar calendar. Unlike the New Year which is celebrated in many other countries on the first day of January, the dates of the Chinese New Year vary from year to year.
In 2012, Chinese New Year is on January 23, beginning a fifteen-day celebration that begins with the new moon on the first day of the new year and ends with the full moon fifteen days later.
It is the most important of Chinese holidays. As it officially marks the end of the winter season, it is also known as the Spring Festival.
Families gather on Chinese New Year’s Eve or “Passing Year’s Eve” for a big gathering and party. Before the meeting, the house is thoroughly cleaned. This represents getting rid of any bad fortune that may be in the home and making way for the good arrival that the new year could bring. The windows and doors have already been decorated with red paper cutouts declaring “good fortune”, “happiness”, “wealth” or “longevity”. Firecrackers end the evening’s festivities.
On Chinese New Year morning, children and single adults receive money in red paper envelopes. Families also exchange gifts, ranging from items used to celebrate the season, like lanterns, to practical gifts like laptops and organizers. Anything to do with Chinese calligraphy is also a popular gift.
The family reunion on New Year’s Eve honors both past and present generations. The Chinese celebrate the start of the New Year as a large community: the ancestors who have died and the family members who live. Deceased members of a family are highly respected because of the foundation they have laid for the family.
I’m Christian. My observance of any holiday is viewed through Christian eyes. I see the New Year as a reminder that God is a God of new beginnings. Our spiritual houses must be kept clean at all times 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 laid by our ancestors and those who have left a positive mark on our lives should be remembered with gratitude. God promises that we will be united again with all the members of our earthly family who are also part of our eternal family.
There is one person whom I am determined to remember every day, not just on holidays. He gave his life for mine. He saved me from my sin and made life possible with Him and those who love Him for eternity.
And he took the bread, gave thanks, broke it and gave it to him saying: “This is my body that is given for you; do this in memory of me”. (Luke 22:19).