Chinese Spring Festival 2015

Celebrating holidays is universal throughout the world.  They are usually joyous occasions for both children and adults. Sometimes the holidays are the same in many countries, and some holidays are different.  At the end of the fall semester we celebrated the American Thanksgiving in November, which is not celebrated in China and in December we celebrated Christmas, which is also celebrated in China. Christmas is looked upon as being a Western, commercial holiday and many embrace it's commercialism, but not it's true meaning.  We went to church in Zhengzhou and found it was full (we were told it was the fashionable thing to do for many people), but instead of hearing the Christmas story, we saw a series of musical performances, which also included some traditional Christmas carols.  We choose not to stay the entire 4 hours of the service and left early.  On January 1, we celebrated New Years Day in the midst of fireworks, but the big celebration in China was yet to come.

The Spring Festival or lunar New Year is traditionally the BIG holiday in China.  Because it is a lunar holiday, so the date changes each year, much like Easter.  This year the holiday fell on Thursday, February 19, and it ushered in the Year of the Sheep.  Throughout the city and country the sound of fireworks exploded all the night and into the early morning.  Remember, the Chinese first invented fireworks and use them generously at special occasions such as weddings, but also in the New Year celebrations!  It’s joyous, noisy, and active.  Shopping and travel resembles Christmas in the US, but multiplied by a factor of 10!  Anyone and everyone who is able, travels home (many work throughout the year in cities away from their homes) to be with their family.  The stores are full of shoppers looking for gifts to give (usually food) to friends who are visited and children receive a “Hong Bao  红包” or red envelop with money from their elders.  This is the first time Rebekah and I have celebrated the Spring Festival in China together with her family since the year we were married in 1990.  Because our extended family gathered together we decided to celebrate by going to a local restaurant to accommodate our extended group.  I believe there were 13 of us total and the food kept coming and coming and coming.  By the end of the meal, I was full and unable to move comfortably. (And those who know my appetite will find that amazing!)

The holiday continues, though some people have to work on the holiday or return to work immediately afterwards.  I don't start my spring semester till the 2nd week in March so I still have time to relax and enjoy the festivities and food and friends.  In China family and friends and relationships with people are very important.  I have enjoyed renewing acquaintances with old friends from 30 years ago and I am happy to be making new friends with people in the city.  It's a balance which I am trying to maintain.  We wish each of you and your family a prosperous and healthy and safe new year.  Please take care of yourself and communicate with us when you get a chance.  I have enjoyed the technology which is now available to keep in touch with friends and family back in the US.  The world has truly become a much smaller place and it gives me a little taste of what heaven will be like.  I look forward to seeing loved ones and friends who have gone ahead and believe there will also be a celebration as we worship the Lord and His holiness.