Thought For The Day – Monday 12^th February 2024

Lunar New Year celebrations began on Saturday. They will last for fifteen days.

Each year, Lunar New Year falls between 21 January and 20 February, contingent on the date of the first new moon.  Many people, including East and South East Asian people, celebrate.  This is also known as the Spring Festival, Chinese New Year or the New Year after the country it is celebrated in.

The Lunar New Year Festival has been celebrated for many centuries. One legend states it began with the defeat of a beast called Nian which was driven away with red colours, bright lights and loud sounds.

In this wonderful family and community festival, red envelopes with money are given for good luck.   Red lanterns are displayed and there are fireworks.  Homes are cleaned to eliminate bad luck. People wish one another happiness, health and prosperity. There can be dragon parades, which give blessings and good fortune to the community, and drive away evil and wrong. Food is important and symbolic also. Noodles symbolise longevity, dumplings symbolise wealth and fish symbolises abundance.  There is also nian gao (the new year rice cake) and tangerines, which bring good luck for the year ahead. Thanks to Mrs. Miles, Mr. Cooper and TBSHS’ Catering Team, there is a special themed lunch today. We continue to be blessed with the food and fellowship at, and of, TBSHS.

Each year is named after one of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac in a twelve year cycle. 2024 is the Year of the Dragon. There are some differences across different countries. For example, in Vietnam, they celebrate the Year of the Cat instead of Rabbit and in Japan it is a Boar instead of a Pig. You can find out your what animal you, with associated virtues,   by looking at the power point Mrs. Miles has very kindly prepared for you to read at lunch. This is a very good article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/38668427#99119