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2014 Chinese New Year celebrations
Chinese New Year celebrations 2014
On 2 February 2014 FGS Nan Hua Temple in Bronkhorstspruit was abuzz with activities celebrating the Chinese New Year of the Horse. People from all walks of life, all age groups and a myriad of cultural back grounds attended the festivities. Several dignitaries were present including Agang SA leader, Dr Mamphela Ramphele; Director of the World Headquarters of the BLIA, Sherry Chen; COPE’s Mosioua Lekota; Deputy Representative of Taipei Liaison Office in South Africa, Mr Shih; Supervisor of Johannesburg BLIA, Mr Huang and his wife; President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Southern African women entrepreneurs, Mrs Chen; President of Hakka Friendship Association, Mr Chen; City Councilor of Pretoria, Mr Lee; President of BLIA in Johannesburg, Du-Mann Ying; legal advisor for Nan Hua Temple, Mr Albert Huang; Editor in Chief of China Times Newspaper, Mr Long; Overseas Chinese Affairs Representative of the Taipei Liaison Office, Mr Yang and Councilor Willie Van Der Schyf.
This vibrant event started with a Dharma Light Offering Ceremony in the main shrine which was led by the temple manager of FGS Nan Hua Temple, Venerable Hui Xing. All visitors received a small candle to place on the altar and make their own wish for the New Year.
Founder member of FGS Nan Hua Temple, Venerable Yi Chun, welcomed all guests and VIPs and said that was a truly multi-cultural event and that her wish for all was that they will prosper in the Year of the Horse. She reiterate the words of Grand Master Hsing Yun, founder of Fo Guang Shan in Taiwan and said that we need to also have the four virtues of the horse, which is speed so we can rapidly move forward, loyalty so that we can be consistent and devoted, tolerance so that we can live in harmony and endurance and perseverance to ensure we reach our goals.
The three traditional Chinese celestial characters: wealth, health and happiness were introduced, each with their message for the New Year.
The Abbot of Nan Hua Temple, Venerable Hui Fang, elaborated on the meaning of the Year of the Horse and quoted Grand Master Hsing Yun in saying the noble steed gallops into the future. He added that we should not treat people with indifference but rather with dignity and ourselves with discipline. Ven Hui Fang said it was better to develop affinities than making enemies and confirmed the virtues of do good deeds, speak good words and think good thoughts.
The fire crackers were set off followed by the traditional dragon and lion dances, which mesmerised visitors with their colour and energetic performances. A myriad of food stalls and craft faire enticed people. There was something for everyone!
The cultural performances at the Guest House entertained the thousands of visitors and included martial arts, high-energy hip-hop, Spanish dancing, an Indian dance performance and traditional Taiwanese music. A very charming ribbon-dance was included in this year’s line-up.
Children were treated to competitions and lantern and dragon painting, bamboo cicada and paper cutting while traditional medicine and acupuncture offered guests a chance to relax. There was also an opportunity of enjoying green tea, Chinese style.
The Temple’s coffee shop served a feast of eats and the museum boasted a new display of traditional Chinese camisoles called dudou. These exquisite camisoles were once worn under clothes in ancient times and are still popular today as a means of attracting good fortune and happiness.
FGS Nan Hua Temple wishes everyone a happy and prosperous Year of the Horse!
Written by Lee Raath-Brownie
On 2 February 2014 FGS Nan Hua Temple in Bronkhorstspruit was abuzz with activities celebrating the Chinese New Year of the Horse. People from all walks of life, all age groups and a myriad of cultural back grounds attended the festivities. Several dignitaries were present including Agang SA leader, Dr Mamphela Ramphele; Director of the World Headquarters of the BLIA, Sherry Chen; COPE’s Mosioua Lekota; Deputy Representative of Taipei Liaison Office in South Africa, Mr Shih; Supervisor of Johannesburg BLIA, Mr Huang and his wife; President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Southern African women entrepreneurs, Mrs Chen; President of Hakka Friendship Association, Mr Chen; City Councilor of Pretoria, Mr Lee; President of BLIA in Johannesburg, Du-Mann Ying; legal advisor for Nan Hua Temple, Mr Albert Huang; Editor in Chief of China Times Newspaper, Mr Long; Overseas Chinese Affairs Representative of the Taipei Liaison Office, Mr Yang and Councilor Willie Van Der Schyf.
This vibrant event started with a Dharma Light Offering Ceremony in the main shrine which was led by the temple manager of FGS Nan Hua Temple, Venerable Hui Xing. All visitors received a small candle to place on the altar and make their own wish for the New Year.
Founder member of FGS Nan Hua Temple, Venerable Yi Chun, welcomed all guests and VIPs and said that was a truly multi-cultural event and that her wish for all was that they will prosper in the Year of the Horse. She reiterate the words of Grand Master Hsing Yun, founder of Fo Guang Shan in Taiwan and said that we need to also have the four virtues of the horse, which is speed so we can rapidly move forward, loyalty so that we can be consistent and devoted, tolerance so that we can live in harmony and endurance and perseverance to ensure we reach our goals.
The three traditional Chinese celestial characters: wealth, health and happiness were introduced, each with their message for the New Year.
The Abbot of Nan Hua Temple, Venerable Hui Fang, elaborated on the meaning of the Year of the Horse and quoted Grand Master Hsing Yun in saying the noble steed gallops into the future. He added that we should not treat people with indifference but rather with dignity and ourselves with discipline. Ven Hui Fang said it was better to develop affinities than making enemies and confirmed the virtues of do good deeds, speak good words and think good thoughts.
The fire crackers were set off followed by the traditional dragon and lion dances, which mesmerised visitors with their colour and energetic performances. A myriad of food stalls and craft faire enticed people. There was something for everyone!
The cultural performances at the Guest House entertained the thousands of visitors and included martial arts, high-energy hip-hop, Spanish dancing, an Indian dance performance and traditional Taiwanese music. A very charming ribbon-dance was included in this year’s line-up.
Children were treated to competitions and lantern and dragon painting, bamboo cicada and paper cutting while traditional medicine and acupuncture offered guests a chance to relax. There was also an opportunity of enjoying green tea, Chinese style.
The Temple’s coffee shop served a feast of eats and the museum boasted a new display of traditional Chinese camisoles called dudou. These exquisite camisoles were once worn under clothes in ancient times and are still popular today as a means of attracting good fortune and happiness.
FGS Nan Hua Temple wishes everyone a happy and prosperous Year of the Horse!
Written by Lee Raath-Brownie
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The Nan Hua Temple is a non-profit organisation and all Temple Tours conducted at the Temple are free of charge. The Temple is closed on Mondays, and open to all visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 - 17:00, free of charge, and for a vegetarian lunch on Sundays @ R30 per person, 12:00 - 12:30. Kindly visit our website: www.nanhua.co.za or if you have any queries please contact us on (013) 931-0009.
P.S.: We apologise for certain individuals that created some Groupon deals to bring about incorrect information about Temple tours.
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