Now, before you think that I've lost it, think again. In many parts of the Orient, today is New Year's Day, and New Year is perhaps the celebration that outshines all others.
In Vietnam, this entire week is devoted to celebrations with family. In China there are up to two weeks of holidays because people have to travel (in some cases for miles) in order to get home for the joyous celebrations.
There are various customs depending on the country, but in general, this is a time of great joy. Families gather like we in the Western Christian world do at Christmas and Easter. There is lots of food because if ever a guest should come knocking at this time of year, the host must have at least a cup of tea and something sweet to share. Often, this is a time for banquets with family and friends, for visits to the graves of ancestors, for giving 'lucky money' to children, and for rest and recreation.
Last night was New Year's Eve. In Vietnam and in China, there were fireworks at midnight, but in this city, there was a banquet hosted by our friends. Last year at this time, they didn't know us as well, so they didn't issue the invitation, and admittedly last New Year was not a happy one, but this year, everything has changed. Their joy is contagious, and they choose to share it with us: their adopted family away from home.
This New Year's Day will be spent talking with their families back home. Some will attend Mass today, and others will observe their own religious customs. Unfortunately there won't be fireworks in the local town square, but there is reason to celebrate and for that we join our voices with those of our friends to wish all and every one Happy New Year!
In Vietnam, this entire week is devoted to celebrations with family. In China there are up to two weeks of holidays because people have to travel (in some cases for miles) in order to get home for the joyous celebrations.
There are various customs depending on the country, but in general, this is a time of great joy. Families gather like we in the Western Christian world do at Christmas and Easter. There is lots of food because if ever a guest should come knocking at this time of year, the host must have at least a cup of tea and something sweet to share. Often, this is a time for banquets with family and friends, for visits to the graves of ancestors, for giving 'lucky money' to children, and for rest and recreation.
Last night was New Year's Eve. In Vietnam and in China, there were fireworks at midnight, but in this city, there was a banquet hosted by our friends. Last year at this time, they didn't know us as well, so they didn't issue the invitation, and admittedly last New Year was not a happy one, but this year, everything has changed. Their joy is contagious, and they choose to share it with us: their adopted family away from home.
This New Year's Day will be spent talking with their families back home. Some will attend Mass today, and others will observe their own religious customs. Unfortunately there won't be fireworks in the local town square, but there is reason to celebrate and for that we join our voices with those of our friends to wish all and every one Happy New Year!
No comments:
Post a Comment