Metro Manila

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year starts on February 3 this year, the first day of the new moon, ushering in the year of the golden rabbit.

For most Chinese communities in the Philippines the start of the year is celebrated for 15 days and most rituals and traditions associated with it strictly observed. The best time to see the festival in its full glory is on the first day of the festival where a grand parade featuring a 228-feet Manila Chinatown Millennium Dragon followed by two smaller dragons, two southern and northern lions, two unicorns, nine carps, and a phoenix pass through the streets of Binondo. The celebration ends with a Lantern Festival and fireworks display. Fireworks are used to drive away the evil spirit Nian, believed to be afraid of loud sounds. During the New Year, the dragon dance is the highlight of the celebration. Venerated in Chinese culture, the dragon is believed to ward off evil spirits. For dragon dance services, contact the Ling Nam Athletic Federation and the Golden Red Lion & Dragon group (Tel: +632/ 383 9400).

Kuang Kong Temple on Kipuja St., Binondo

Kuang Kong Temple on Kipuja St., Binondo

Temple visits are also practiced and the most popular is the Kuang Kong Temple on Kipuja St., Binondo. The temple is dedicated to the Chinese God of War and is known among businessmen in the district. It is located on the second floor and is open to the public. Visitors can take three incense sticks and offer them at the entrance of the temple. Another temple worth visiting is the artfully-decorated Santo Sing Kong Buddhist Church on Morga St., Tondo. The temple has hundred little statues of Buddhist deities on wooden pillars. Guests can ask questions and get a written response. Try attending one of the diam king or the mass held every Sunday at 9am and 11am. The temple is open from 6am to 5pm. (Tel: +632/ 242 0086, 242 4804). There’s also the Seng Guan Temple on Narra St., Binondo and the Hsien Tiak Taoist Temple to visit if you want to go temple-hopping.

Before the Chinese New Year, houses and offices are thoroughly cleaned. According to Princess Lim Fernandez, the resident feng shui expert of the Yin & Yang Shop of Harmony at the Mandarin Hotel, cleaning removes the bad luck from the old year, making it easier to welcome the good fortune of the coming year. Other traditions include wearing newly-bought clothes and donning a new hair style, visiting relatives to show filial piety and respect. When couples visit relatives, they normally bring gifts like a box of biscuits, chocolates or fruits, says Fernandez. Couples usually give angpao (lucky money) to the younger lot and to younger single relatives.

Photo and Article Source: Inflight Magazine (Seair)