SOUTH AFRICA: Chinese celebrate the Lunar New Year at Nan Hua Temple in Bronkhorstspruit

Record ID: 457702

  • Title: SOUTH AFRICA: Chinese celebrate the Lunar New Year at Nan Hua Temple in Bronkhorstspruit
  • Date: 8th February 2011
  • Summary: MORE OF PEOPLE PERFORMING SPANISH DANCES VARIOUS OF PEOPLE WATCHING MORE OF PERFORMANCES / INDIAN DANCES
  • Embargoed: 23rd February 2011 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: South Africa, South Africa
  • Country: South Africa
  • Topics: Entertainment,Quirky,Lifestyle
  • Reuters ID: LVAEW72TN6AUBSEVNGOWVB0IVVHF
  • Story Text: Hundreds of people attended the Chinese New Year celebrations at the Nan Hua Temple near Bronkhorstspruit in Mpumalanga on Sunday (February 6).
    The Chinese Lunar New Year is the most important and colourful festival celebrated at the Nan Hua Temple just outside Pretoria.
    "So today is the traditional Chinese New Year, why do we celebrate the Chinese New Year and why have we organised this event? Because in the ancient times, Chinese people come together to wish each other good fortune and Happy New Year. Wherever you go, you will hear people wishing each other Happy New Year, wishing each other well, and happiness everyday. This is their culture, this is their tradition, this is what they would do in ancient times," said Bin Jua, who is training as a monk at the temple.
    Organisers of the event arranged for performances from different cultures for this celebration and said the activities were meant for everyone and can be shared by all South Africans.
    "The purpose for our temple here is to try work together with South Africa, all races people, all South African we work together for future, for better, for that reason we are here. Especially today (this year) is Rabbit, it means harmony, it means work together, so we are here, just symbolise going forward together," said Kwe Feng, a monk at the Nan Hua Temple.
    According to the Chinese Zodiac calendar, 2011 is the Year of the Rabbit.
    The Rabbit represents strength and kindness of heart and traditionally, it is believed that those born in the Year of the Rabbit are clever, romantic, modest and merciful.
    For others, the new lunar year heralds a new beginning.
    "This means a new start I think for a lot of people, and the Year of the Rabbit is notoriously kind of a lucky symbol, so I think a lot of people are looking to have renewed happiness and finances, and looking to having a better year at the end of the day," said visitor, Kenneth Fork.
    Last year, more than 8000 people attended the Chinese New Year celebrations at the at the temple.
    Celebrations this year include fireworks, martial arts displays, Chinese painting on paper lanterns, tea ceremonies and dragon dancing.
    Entrance to the temple is free and visitors are also invited to participate in the Light Dharma, a candle-holding ceremony, and to pray for world peace.
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