Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival (春節), marks the beginning of the new year according to the lunar calendar. It is the most important festival in Chinese culture and a special time for thanksgiving, renewal, and family reunion. The celebration traditionally lasts for 15 days, beginning on Chinese New Year’s Day and ending with the Lantern
Festival.
Families gather for reunion meals, exchange greetings, and spend time in prayer, thanking God for His faithfulness and seeking His guidance for the year ahead. In many families and churches, an 「開年飯」 (First Meal of the New Year) is shared after the New Year begins. This meal symbolises starting the year together in unity, committing the year to God, and encouraging one another as a church family.
During Chinese New Year, people often wear red, as red symbolises joy, blessing, and good fortune, expressing hope for a year filled with God’s grace. This year is the Year of the Horse, often associated with energy, perseverance, and moving forward with purpose, reminding us to trust God as we run the race set before us. The date changes each year because it follows the lunar calendar and usually falls between late January and mid-February.
May this New Year be a time of fresh beginnings, unity, and God’s blessings for all.