The Fire Rooster has arrived

The Chinese New Year was celebrated in style over the weekend of 28 January at the Nan Hua Temple in Bronkhorstspruit which is the largest Buddhist temple in Africa.

The start of the Year of the Fire Rooster saw Buddhist devotees gathering together for an evening of traditional food, live entertainment and a light offering ceremony. The light offering ceremony is a way of offering respect and gratitude in the Buddhist tradition. Buddha’s Light International Association members were among those present to celebrate the new year and offer their respect, along with officials from the Taipei Liaison Office, the Taiwanese embassy in South Africa.

Yung-Yi Hsu, the assistant representative of the Taipei Liaison Office, made a guest appearance on the Saturday evening and spoke about the significance of the Fire Rooster – its representation of new successes. “On behalf of the Taiwan government, we wish you all happiness, health and prosperity this year,” Hsu said.

Du Mann Ying, chairman of the Buddha’s Light Association, explained that the Fire Rooster signified new beginnings as well as the opportunity to rise up and face new challenges.

“In old times, we would rely on the rooster to wake us up to face a new day. So this year will be a year of waking up to new successes and opportunities,” Ying said.

The public was invited to join the festivities on the Sunday, enjoying a large market offering of food and trinkets, and access to the main shrine. Many live performances, representing various cultures, were showcased and included a drum performance by the Nan Hua Art Performing Group, a showcase of the Chinese Diablo by the Newcastle Diablo Team, Spanish traditional dance by the Montoyo Spanish Dancers, and Tswana Traditional Dance by the Future for African Children team among others.

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