Suggestions for catholics to inculturate the 15-day celebration of the Chinese New Year

Parish Priest, Archdiocesan Shrine of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

   Here are some initial attempts to inculturate the 15-Day celebration of the Chinese New Year with some Christian values and practices. It is hoped that with more experiences and insights, we will find more meaningful practices to enrich this important celebration among the Chinese Catholics:

FIRST DAY (February 10, 2013) New Year - the First New Moon of the Lunar Year

   Chinese Tradition dedicate this day for welcoming the deities of heaven and earth. It is also a time to honor one’s elders. Families visit the oldest and most senior members of their extended families, usually their parents, grandparents, and great-grand parents.

   This is the day to strengthen family ties.

   This is also the day when people visit the temples to ask for God’s blessings.

   The ceremonial practice of Ancestors-Veneration takes place on this day.

For Catholics:

   No problem adopting the practices. Start the year with the Eucharist to thank God for all the blessings of the previous year, and to implore His blessings and protection, His providence for the coming year.

   It is a day for showing special respect and honor to the elders. A day to appreciate one’s family.

   We can have Christian version of Ancestors-Honoring Rite at the end of the Eucharist. Good practice will be to place ancestral tablets in the Parish Ancestral Shrine – for daily visits to light incense sticks and say a prayer for the departed ancestor.

SECOND DAY (February 11)

   This is the day when married daughters visit their biological parents, relatives and close friends. It is a day of charity to the less fortunate. Business people go to the temple to pray to God for good luck and prosperity in their business.

For Catholics

   The day can be dedicated to family reunion and a day to express thanks and love to parents by gifts and other gestures of love and appreciation.

   It can be a day especially dedicated to the devotion of the Virgin Mary, the Mother of the Church and the Mother of our Faith.

THIRD DAY (February 12)

   Rural villagers believe that everyone should stay at home or visit the grave of the departed relatives. This is also considered a propitious day to visit the temple of the God of Wealth and have one’s fortune told.

For Catholics:

   This can be a special day of “house cleaning”, donating what can be useful but not needed to the poor or charitable institutions. This is a Day of Prayer – for divine providence.

   It can be a day for parishioners to bring in their donations, in cash or in kind, for the poor of the parish.

FOURTH DAY (February 13)

   This is the day when some corporate “spring dinners” kick off and businesses return to normal, for some.

   Otherwise, it basically is a continuation of Third Day.

For Catholics:

   This can be a “Community Day” to have a New Year celebration with organizations or small groups or faith communities, and the Parish Community. It is a day when we pray for the larger community beyond the family.

   For business and institutions, it is a Day for co-workers.

FIFTH DAY (February 14)

   This day is the God of Wealth’s birthday. In mainland China, people eat dumplings in the morning. In Taiwan, business traditionally re-open on the next day (the sixth day) accompanied by firecrackers. It is also common in China that on the 5th day, people will light firecrackers in the attempt to get Guan Yu’s attention, thus ensuring his favor and good fortune for the New Year.

For Catholics

   It can be a day of prayer and supplications for God’s blessing for the new year. A day of intercession for the different needs of the community.

SIXTH DAY (February 15)

   The sixth day marks a time to visit temples, relatives and friends.

For Catholics:

   Visits to Adoration chapels and friends’ homes.

SEVENTH DAY (February 16)

   This day is traditionally known as “the common man’s birthday,” the day when everyone grows one year older.

For Catholic:

   A day to honor God as the Creator and the author of man.

   A day dedicated to the common people, the poor and the needy.

EIGHTH DAY (February 17)

   Another family dinner is held to celebrate the eve of the birth of the Jade Emperor. However, everybody should be back to work by the eighth day. Store owners will host a lunch/dinner for their employees, thanking them for the work they have done the previous year.

For Catholics:

   Appreciation lunch/dinner for employees – perhaps with a Mass and some awards of recognition.

   Could the figure of the Jade Emperor remind us of the Incarnate Son of God – Jesus Christ?

NINTH DAY (February 18)

   The ninth day of the New Year is a day for Chinese to offer prayers to the Jade Emperor of Heaven. The ninth day is traditionally the birthday of the Jade Emperor.

For Catholics:

   A day for the whole family to celebrate the Eucharist together followed by family dinner at home or eat out.

TENTH DAY (February 19)

   The Jade Emperor’s party is also celebrated on this day.

For Catholics:

   Holy Mass

   FROM THE TENTH TO THIRTEENTH DAY

   There is more feasting with friends and family.

THIRTEENTH DAY (February 20)

   On the 13th day, people will eat purely vegetarian food to clean out their stomach due to consuming too much food over the last two weeks.

   This day is dedicated to the General Guan Yu, also known as the Chinese God of War. He represents loyalty, strength, truth, and justice.

For Catholics:

   Focus on living the virtues of loyalty (faithfulness), strength, truth, and justice.

FOURTEENTH DAY - Lantern Decoration Day

   Preparation will be made for the Lantern Festival.

FIFTEENTH DAY (February 25) the First Full-Moon of the Lunar Year

*The Lantern Festival

   Families walk the streets carrying lighted lanterns.

   This day often marks the end of the Chinese New Year festivities.

For Catholics:

We rejoice with Christ coming to the world to be our Light, and to guide us on our way through life, especially this coming year.