Chinese temple’s celebration open to the public

Workers start to display round lanterns and Chinese characters in Cebu Chu Un Temple in Englis, Guadalupe in preparation for the Chinese New Year celebration. (CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA)

CEBUANOS are encouraged to join the Chinese New Year celebration tomorrow at the Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Chu Un Temple along V. Rama Avenue, Cebu City.

Anyone who wants to experience Chinese culture can attend, even if they are not Buddhists, said Venerable Shi Youlin, one of the masters staying at the temple.

Gold, orange and red paper lanterns line the pathway up to the temple, bearing Chinese characters and symbols. The grounds are also decorated with figures of monkeys, symbolizing the Year of the Fire Monkey.

Visitors will be treated to several Chinese cultural performances starting at 6 p.m. on Sunday, including the lion dance and a monkey dance by selected cast of the “Siddhartha, The Musical” and the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA).

A “wishing tree,” where people can pick rolls of paper inscribed with words of wisdom and sayings, will also be set up within the temple grounds.

Tai chi and one-stroke calligraphy exhibitions will also be shown during the event. Booths selling Chinese delicacies and vegetarian food will also be set up.

The celebrations will end at 12 midnight with a grand fireworks display.

Promptly after the fireworks, temple masters will strike a large brass gong 180 times, to symbolize the spreading of peace and good vibrations all over the world.

After that, visitors will be given the chance to make a wish and strike the gong three times.

“It is to welcome the New Year and invite harmony and goodness into your life,” said OJ Hofer, president of the BLIA English chapter.

“You make a wish not only for yourself but also for others,” he added.