HONG Kong members of a Finchampstead church invited the whole congregation to share Lunar New Year with them on Sunday.
Finchampstead Baptist Churchgoers were able to learn about the Asian-wide festival, and to enjoy a range of traditional treats, Chinese tea, and crafts.
On day five of their festivities, Laurence, and May, both members of FBC’s Hong Kong community, explained during the service why the celebration is so important to them.
Lawrence said: “I’m often asked by people, should we call it Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year?
“It’s a good question.
“Because the festival is based on the lunar calendar, and is marked not only in China, but throughout Asia in places such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore, Lunar New Year is definitely the best way to describe it.”
Unlike in the UK, where celebrations take place on just one night of the year, Lunar New Year is enjoyed over several days.
“We celebrate for 15 days in total, and each day has its own tradition and meanings,” May explained.
“On day seven, for example, we celebrate absolutely everyone’s birthday, and on day 15 there’s a special party to mark the end of the festival.
“Day five is the birthday of the god of wealth, and people traditionally like to believe he’ll come knocking on their door carrying a bag of gold coins.”
“But of course we know that’s not true,” laughed Lawrence, “and about as likely as seeing Santa Claus come down the chimney.”
Everything during the Lunar New Year is symbolic of something, including the food.
“We eat dumplings because they’re shaped like gold ingots, noodles because their length represents long life, and fish, which signifies abundance,” Lawrence said.
“Colours are important, too – especially red, which signifies good luck, and protection from evil.”
After the service, congregation members were able to taste traditional Lunar New Year treats, including cashew nut (shaped like laughing eyes) cookies, smiling sesame balls (which crack open during cooking to look like a laughing mouth), candied lotus seeds, sugared water melon, and savoury twists.
Youngsters were able to try their hand at writing a calligraphic blessing, and all the guests were offered red envelopes containing a Lunar New Year message.
Festivities will continue in Wokingham town on Sunday, February 9, in the Market Place, from 11am until 3pm.
Festival goers will be able to enjoy a range of celebrations, including music, performances, street food, and a traditional Lion Dance.
Parking on the day will be free from 10pm on Saturday evening, February 8, until 6am on the morning of Monday, February 10, at Carnival Pool multi-storey, Cockpit Path, Denmark Street (access from old Wokingham Library only on the event day), Easthampstead Road (East and West), Rose Street, and Shute End car parks.
For more information, visit: finchampstead.com and wokingham-tc.gov.uk
