Thousands flock to Bronkhorstspruit to celebrate Year of the Snake
The Chinese new year was celebrated on February 2.
Thousands of people of all cultures joined the FGS Nan Hua Temple in celebrating the Chinese new year on February 2.
The lunar new year was ushered in with joy, gratitude and blessings, welcoming the Year of the Wood Snake.
According to a post on the temple’s Facebook page, the snake symbolises wisdom, transformation and renewal in Chinese culture.
“Just as the snake sheds its skin, this year invites us to let go of the old and embrace new beginnings. It is a time to reflect on our personal growth, cultivate wisdom and move forward with grace and adaptability.”
The celebration programme included a light offering ceremony in the main shrine, where each attendee received a candle to offer at the altars, symbolising the light of wisdom and compassion. In Buddhism, offering light represents dispelling the darkness of ignorance and illuminating the path to enlightenment.
This was followed by the chanting of the Heart Sutra, after which several dignitaries joined at the front, with some providing new year inspirations, including the abbott of the FGS Nan Hua Temple, venerable Hui Fang, Olivier Liao, the representative of the Taipei Liaison Office of South Africa and Dumann Ying of the Buddhist Light International Association and dharma lecturer.
Several cultural activities followed, including a traditional Chinese lion dance symbolising courage, strength and prosperity and firecrackers to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.
The Nan Hua Art Performing Group presented the Thunderous Battle Drum performance, a powerful and dynamic show that embodies the energy and determination of the lunar new year.
Three celestial characters symbolising happiness, wealth and longevity distributed lucky packets, and the wishing tree tradition allowed visitors to throw an ancient coin attached to a ribbon with their names and wishes, symbolising aspirations for the new year.
There were also several food and gift stalls to choose from and embrace the depth of various cultures along the temple corridors.
The Buddhist Youth Group helped with games and activities for the kids in front of the guesthouse. There were also demonstrations of Chinese acupuncture and fan painting, highlighting several traditional art practices.
Inside the guesthouse and museum were also several cultural events, including a tea ceremony, painting for the kids and a chance to learn about the benefits of meditation with basic instructions on how to quiet the mind through it.
Many multi-cultural performances were showcased in the guesthouse courtyard, celebrating SA’s rich diversity and harmony.
