Good Shepherd Church Celebrates CNY 2025 with Lion Dance before Unity Mass.
The Church of the Good Shepherd Setapak marked the arrival of the Lunar New Year on January 9th, 2025, with a celebratory Unity Mass. A lively lion dance welcomed parishioners at 9:00 am, many of whom were dressed in festive Chinese clothing. The Mass itself highlighted the community’s diversity, with offertory gifts presented by couples representing the various languages spoken within the parish. The music was a beautiful blend of cultures, featuring both a Bahasa musical ensemble and a Mandarin choir. The celebration continued after the Mass, as each parishioner received a traditional Ang Pow and Mandarin oranges.
The Lion Dance
The lion dance is a traditional Chinese dance performed during important festivals and celebrations, most notably Chinese New Year. It’s a vibrant and energetic spectacle believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
Ang Pow
Ang pows, also known as red envelopes or red packets, are a significant part of Chinese and several other Southeast Asian cultures. They are typically given during special occasions like Chinese New Year, weddings, birthdays, and other celebrations.
Mandarin Oranges
Ah, mandarin oranges! Those bright, juicy fruits are an absolute staple during Chinese New Year celebrations. They’re not just delicious, they’re also packed with symbolism and good wishes. Here’s why mandarin oranges are so important during this festive time:
A Sweet Start to the New Year: Mandarin oranges are a refreshing and healthy treat to enjoy during the often indulgent Chinese New Year celebrations. They’re a symbol of sweetness and good health for the year ahead.
Symbolism of Prosperity: The golden color of mandarin oranges resembles gold, and in Chinese, the word for “orange” (橙, chéng) sounds similar to the word for “success” or “achievement” (成, chéng). So, gifting mandarin oranges is like giving someone a wish for a prosperous and successful year.
Good Fortune and Blessings: Mandarin oranges are often given in pairs, as even numbers are considered auspicious in Chinese culture. This symbolizes double blessings and good fortune.
Sharing Joy and Happiness: The act of giving and receiving mandarin oranges is a way to share joy and happiness with family and friends during the festive season. It’s a gesture of goodwill and strengthens bonds between people.
