House Spring Cleaning

On the first day of Chinese New Year, one superstition demands that we should not sweep the house. Some even hide their brushes because brooms and sweeping are all 'bad luck' - they will sweep out the 'prosperity' and the 'good luck for the year'.

 

Conversely, spring cleaning may signify a new beginning, the false idea of getting rid of the 'bad luck' of the previous year - an idea which Christians cannot accept. But the proper stewardship of the home is a good concept with the annual cleaning done with no superstition attached.

 

Some also say that we should only speak sweet words and eat nian gao (sweet cakes, fried with eggs and flour). These are supposed to sweeten the mouth of the 'kitchen god' who returns to heaven at the New Year - according to popular folklore.

 

Other superstitious Chinese take care not to break anything on the first day of the New Year because it will bring 'bad luck' for the rest of the year.

 

All such superstitions are inconsistent with the Word of God and should be avoided by Christians.

 

Lion Dance and Firecrackers

Another Chinese New Year tradition is the lion and dragon dance - considered to bring good luck because the prancing lions and dancing dragons chase away the 'bad omen' in businesses or shops. Most, if not all, such practices have their origins in Buddhist temples and martial arts groups which are religious in nature.

 

The use of noisy fire crackers - which by tradition is intended to ward off the evil monster ‘nian’ - is a thing of the past for Singapore, but is still widely practised in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and elsewhere.

 

It is banned in Singapore because firecrackers have caused accidents and even fatal fires. But even without these safety considerations the practice has unchristian origins and Christians should avoid it.

 

Family Visitation and Bonding

As Christians, we can maintain good Chinese New Year traditions - visiting families and relatives; exchanging oranges and greetings; giving ang pows to the children; and wishing God's blessings and peace to our friends and neighbours. These are meaningful social and family encounters and part of our Chinese culture which is often reciprocal in practice. The reunion dinner is a good time to reach out to our loved ones and Chinese NY goodies and delectable food are not to be missed.

 

When we wish somebody a 'blessed or peaceful Chinese New Year', we need to pray for their salvation too and share the gospel if possible and seek God's help to live in a manner worthy of our calling as Christians.

 

For us, it is a seasonal celebration of the deeper meaning of Xin Nian (new year), representing as it does a year of new opportunities to serve and glorify God. The God of the Bible is our Redeemer, the reason and foundation of our confidence and joy for the new year - for 'if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new' (2 Corinthians 5:17).

 

Biblical Direction

There are many other relevant Scriptures we can contemplate at this season. For example, Paul advises: 'Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God' (1 Corinthians 10:31). Let us rejoice and offer praise, 'giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ' (Ephesians 5:20).

 

Consider also 1 Thessalonians 5:22: 'Abstain from all appearance of evil'. As Christians let us avoid worshipping idols by the burning of incense, or visiting temples, worshipping ancestors, or any other form of religious or spiritual compromise.

 

However, 'Let us not therefore judge one another anymore: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way' (Romans 14:13). 'For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another' (Galatians 5:13). We are to remember our accountability to God and to be a good testimony and to show genuine love and concern for one another during the festive season.

 

Conclusion

The pandemic has prevented us from having a full CNY celebration in the past years and this year is much better with most of the safety measures removed. Every year is an opportunity to serve and glorify God. Psa 65:11 "Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness." Our cultural practices after we are saved must be subject to biblical injunction and divine precepts.

 

The Chinese would greet each other with peace which is a desirable thing. May our gracious Lord grant us true joy, peace, grace and hope in this 2023 Chinese New Year season even in the midst of this unprecedented raging health crisis, as we responsibly stay safe and pray and witness for Christ to our relatives and friends with the gospel of salvation as the Lord leads.

 

 

By Rev Jack Sin

More Lively Hope

© Hope Bible-Presbyterian Church
14 Bedford Square, Colonel Light Gardens, South Australia 5041