Temple celebrations

CEBU, Philippines - As the Year of the Dragon nears its end, the Chu Un Buddhist Temple, located along 246 V Rama Avenue, will be hosting a diverse range of activities today, each geared towards celebrating the coming of the Year of the Snake.

From 2PM onwards, good tidings and fun-filled activities will be welcoming visitors to the temple, where auspicious flower arrangements, delectable Chinese dishes and delicious vegetarian meals can be enjoyed by one and all.

Presentations organized by different schools are also featured to take place within the temple’s grounds today, just as a unique fashion show – one where traditional Chinese apparel and clothing takes the center stage – will stand out as a unique highlight on its own.

Creative Dragon, Lion and Snake dances are also part of the day’s highlights, matched with a fireworks display, with each of these activities sure to add significant dimension to the ideals of fun and merry making.

The sight of thousands of colorful lanterns crafted by the temple’s monastics and devotees will also be witnessed by visitors to the temple later in the evening, a sight that is sure to be a rare and valuable experience in itself.

The temple’s main shrine will also be open to incense, fruits and flower offerings, where offerings from anyone, from someone in search for meaning to a simple devotee, will be more than welcomed. Visitors to the temple today can also learn more about calligraphy, as well as hang written wishes onto the temple’s wishing tree.

Apart from the day’s featured line of activities, from the organized food fair to the temple’s featured line of presentations and shows, the Chu Un Buddhist Temple will also be celebrating the traditional rolling of the drum and beating of the gong by midnight, as part of the age-old traditions in welcoming the new Lunar Year – something which the Chu Un Buddhist Temple has done for more than 25 years.

By tomorrow, the Thousand Buddha Blessing prayer will take place at 9AM within the temple’s grounds, with the said event known to only happen once a year.

As the Year of the Dragon nears its end, all of Cebu is invited to visit the Chu Un Buddhist Temple today, where celebrating the coming of the Year of the Snake is sure to lead to fun-filled memories, as a new year is greeted by intentions of good will, happiness and peace.

The Chu Un Buddhist Temple is located along V Rama Avenue, Cebu City. For futher details on today’s activities and events, you may call 253-8144 or visit the Official Chu Un Facebook page. (FREEMAN)