Chinese Year of the Rooster starts with a bang in Gauteng
THE Year of the Rooster was launched at the Nan Hua Temple in Bronkhorstspruit yesterday as visitors from across Gauteng joined Chinese nationals to celebrate the most important holiday on the Chinese calendar.
The Nan Hua Temple hosted hundreds of people, among them Tshwane mayor Solly Msimanga, and popular music star Zwai Bala and his family.
The annual event has always promised spectacular fireworks, fun and a big feast – and yesterday was no exception.
There was laughter, a lot of excitement, amusement and many emotions as the fireworks went off.
Other than it being the New Year celebrations, it was also a day of relaxation for everyone who came to enjoy the festivities, relaxing on the lawns and having a good time.
Among the multicultural performances were martial arts, the Chinese yo-yo dance as well as Indian and Korean dancing.
People also took part in this year’s exclusive relaxation meditation.
Those who participated in the meditation received a book called 365 Days for Travellers.
The book offerers wisdom, guidance and inspiration from Chinese literary and Buddhist classics.
People also participated in the Wishing Tree, which, in accordance with ancient times, saw people writing their names and wishes on a piece of ribbon attached to a coin and throwing it at the wishing tree, with the belief and hope their wishes will come true.
Stalls were also packed as people queued to buy traditional Chinese, Cantonese and Taiwanese cuisine, among other Asian foods.
The New Year officially started on Saturday. Celebrations will continue until the Lantern Festival, the 15th day of the New Year.
Each Chinese year is characterised by one of 12 animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac, and this time it is the Rooster’s turn for reverence.