Chinese New Year Celebration, 2022

Reported by Ven. Zhen Yuan

The Chinese New Year is a time for families to unite, and to restart our lives again by improving them. New Year means that the old problems have already passed. For example, no matter how hard we have been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic or by disasters, pain, sickness, hurt, or loss, they are past now.
The Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, is the most important celebration observed by the Chinese, and has cultural and historical significance. According to the Chinese lunar calendar, the festival signals the beginning of spring and the start of the New Year. In its earliest form, this celebration was meant for farmers and workers to rest from their year-long hard labor, and therefore to be ready to resume work afterward, refreshed and well-rested.
The Chinese New Year remains the most crucial occasion for generations of families to reunite and spend time together to develop love and care for one another. Today, in the COVID-19 pandemic era it is not very different, and everyone has taken a long vacation to rest well and regain their power for the New Year.
Due to the inconvenience of traveling, some families may be separated due to career choices, educational opportunities, etc. Therefore this festival has become more important for family members who can hardly get together for a year or two.
During the celebration, well wishes will be sent, the voice of ‘Gong Xi, Gong Xi’ or ‘Gong Xi Fa Cai’ will be heard happily, ensuring good fortune and prosperity for the coming year. Then we receive blessings from the elders, and red packets are given to the younger generation as a thanksgiving with love. Also, for any mistakes that has been made, after reflecting, we realize our wrongdoing, and ask for forgiveness.
On February 1, 2022, IBC serves a special steamboat meal as a way to unite the Sangha members and the whole Buddhist community. There will be meditation and a transference of merits to wish for good health and peace in mind and body, which is the best and most meaningful thing to develop during our celebration.
‘Happy Chinese New Year.’

《后汉书》中有这样的记载：“冬至前后，君子安身静体，百官绝事，不听政，择吉辰而后省事。”所以这天朝庭上下要放假休息，军队待命，边塞闭关，商旅停业，亲朋各以美食相赠，相互拜访，欢乐地过一个“安身静体”的节日。