As Chinese Catholics, it is important that we continue to put God at the centre of our lives and existence, while at the same time, fully immersing ourselves in our rich history and culture, and this venerable and wonderful practice of observing the beginning of the new Lunisolar Year, the Chinese New Year. Coinciding with the Catholic Church's Jubilee Year, the Lunar New Year "can be a time of change and renewal" of faith, two U.S. bishops' committee chairmen said in a special message to Catholics from Asian cultures who celebrate the Chinese New Year. “This year, the Year of the Snake, can be a time of change and renewal, coinciding with the Jubilee Year, in which we are called to be Pilgrims of Hope, people who are constantly being renewed along our faith journey through the power of the Spirit at work within us. Chinese Lunar New Year While the Catholic Church emphasizes the spiritual aspects of the holiday, the broader celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year is rich with ancient customs and traditions Chinese across the nation are cleaning their homes and purchasing red outfits for their annual celebration of Chinese New Year. Despite China’s official adherence to atheism, most Chinese fully embrace Zodiac tradition. “The Chinese Christians, however, use this as a way to reach out to their communities, and to their friends and their families,” says Erik Burklin of China Partner. As millions celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, Chinese Catholic communities are deepening their spiritual practices, blending tradition and charity during the most significant holiday in Tourists wait to board a train at Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to return home for Chinese Lunar New Year holiday in Shanghai on Jan 25, 2025. Photo by CFOTO/ Future Publishing via Getty Images. This year, Lunar or Chinese New Year goes from January 29 to February 12, kicking off the Year of the Snake. In celebration, I’ve updated the nondenominational worship service on treasure. It’s a good way to revisit what we value and why, as Jesus said, we should store up treasures in heaven. This is the legend of the Chinese New Year. However, the Lunar New Year date was fixed in the Han dynasty (about 202 BC–220 AD), with certain celebration activities becoming popular from then on. The custom of burning firecracker bamboo spread to the common people and has continued to this day. We can give it to one another while reminding each other that success comes from the Lord (Psalm 75:6). As for Chinese New Year goodies such as barbecued pork, pineapple tarts (pineapple is called “ong lai” which means “may good luck come to our homes”), melon seeds, fizzy drinks, to name a few, let us remember to give thanks, enjoy them and eat them in moderation (1 Corinthians 10:31). Chinese New Year holds deep cultural importance and is rich with symbolism. This celebration marks new beginnings and is steeped in ancient traditions that continue to shape modern observances. Cultural Importance and Traditions. Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important holiday in Chinese culture. Lunar New Year is here, and so is one of the largest Vietnamese festivals in Louisiana: Tet Fest. To welcome the year of the snake, Tet Fest celebrates with authentic food, music and dances. From This festival is hosted by High Point Chinese Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Ooltewah, TN. The church has opened its doors as homes to many—international and local—to come and worship together weekly, which fits with their motto: “In Jesus Christ, we are one family.” Come out to the biggest Chinese New Year party in the Central Valley! Let's celebrate the year of the Snake! There will be lion dance teams and a dragon dance team performing as well as other live entertainment celebrating culture and diversity. The Stockton Chinese New Years Festival will be held at the First Baptist Church Community Center. Step into a world of vibrant traditions and captivating festivities at the Lunar New Year Celebration, hosted by the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center. As one of the center's most anticipated events of the year, this celebration promises an immersive experience into the rich tapestry of Chinese and AANHPI (Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and On the other hand, some people flock to a temple or church to reflect on the past year and light a candle for a successful and thriving year ahead; regardless of your belief, reflecting on your personal goals is a fruitful way to start Chinese New Year 2025 for mindful beginnings. 4. WASHINGTON (OSV News) — Coinciding with the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year, the Lunar New Year “can be a time of change and renewal” of faith, two U.S. bishops’ committee chairmen said in a special message to Catholics from Asian cultures who celebrate the Chinese New Year. This year, Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, kicks off January 29 and ends February 12. The event marks the start of the year based on moon-phased calendars and is also associated with an animal from the Chinese zodiac; 2025 is the Year of the Snake. Members of the church also burned incense sticks. The Chinese New Year, which celebrates the beginning of the new year on the traditional lunisolar calendar, ushered in week-long parties and feasts on all Filipino Chinese-owned stores and establishments in the city. "Every year for Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival, we have celebrations like dinner together and games," explains Pastor Stephen Lau, who leads the congregation. The church's journey to becoming a Chinese Methodist church is a remarkable story of transformation. Following World War II, the original Bowthorpe Road Methodist Church served
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