The Nan Hua Meditation Centre will host its annual New Year fete at its main temple in Bronkhorstspruit on 22 February. The fete will be free to the public and will host a mixture of excellent cuisine and entertainment for the whole family.
Spokesperson for the centre, Dumann Ying has five interesting facts about the upcoming New Year celebrations.
- The Year of the Goat:
The upcoming New year celebrates the Year of the Goat which is one of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac cycle. Ying described the 12-year cycle as a perfect circle which represented harmony. She said, “The goat is a very gentle animal. No friction or confrontation. It symbolises auspiciousness for this year.”
- The colour red:
The colour red features prominently in the New Year celebrations and decorations, with the festivities including red lanterns and handing over of red envelopes. Ying said the colour red was significant in Chinese culture as it was indicative of good fortune and represented warmth.
- One week celebration:
The Chinese New Year celebrations were traditionally practised for one month. Ying said, “China was primarily based on agriculture for a long time, and the Chinese worked hard for the entire year. So they spent a half a month to one whole month resting for, and celebrating the upcoming year.”
She added that as time progressed the celebrations were shortened to a week.
- Fireworks:
Fireworks which are a great spectacle during the celebrations have an important history in Chinese tradition. Ying said the noise of the fireworks and the colours were to chase away all the negative energy from the previous year.
- Dancing Dragons:
“The symbol of the dragon is very important,” said Ying. She said the traditional dragon dance at the New Year celebrations was used to chase away evil spirits.
Details for the New Year fete:
Date: 22 February 2015
Time: 10am to 3pm
Venue: 27 Nan Hua Road, Cultura Park, Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng, South Africa
Entrance Fee: Free
Details: Contact Dumann Ying at 082 372 3898 or Lee Raath-Brownie at 082 371 0190
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