Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Beijing (Fides Service) - Lunar New Year this year 29 January in the western calendar, was celebrated in China and in overseas Chinese communities all over the world. Chinese communities in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia received official New Year greetings from governments and authorities. There were Dragon festivities in various capital cities. The traditional red Good Luck sign hung on the front doors of Chinese homes all over the world.
In Hong Kong, in a New Year message the Forum of Religious Leader representing the six main religious communities in the territory underlined the need to unite efforts to overcome problems afflicting society such as violence among youth and betting.
In Taiwan the Catholic Bishops’ Commission for Social Communications urged Catholics to take part in special New Year thanksgiving Masses.
Catholics in mainland China attended mass on New Year’s Eve and gave a pronounced Christian spirit to new year celebrations, including the Good Luck posters on front doors which were a means to evangelise.
Other religious groups in China, Muslims, Buddhists, Taoists and Tibetan Buddhists also celebrated Lunar new year in their own way: over 30.000 people visited Yong He Tibetan Temple the most famous in Beijing. (Agenzia Fides 30/01/2006 Righe: 24 Parole: 254)
