Lunar New Year celebrations are underway, with a series of events planned over the next two weeks to mark the year of the horse.
The centrepiece event, and one of the largest gatherings on the calendar, the Lunar New Year cultural day, took place at Chung Tian Temple, in Priestdale, over the weekend.
Over 15,000 people were estimated to attend the event, which held lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, and more.
Traditionally, the Lunar New Year is a time for families to come together, reflect on the year that has passed, welcome renewal and good fortune.
Those traditions will be shared with the wider community through a mix of performances, workshops and cultural activities, event organisers from the Chung Tian Temple said.
Abbess Venerable Manwang, a senior figure of the Chung Tian Temple, said Lunar New Year was about shared values that extend beyond cultural backgrounds.
“It’s a time to honour family and ancestors, and to reflect on compassion and harmony within the community,” she said.
A program for cultural, religious and family-focused events, including an evening offering ceremony at the temple this on Friday, 20 February, followed by offerings, merit-transfer services, tea ceremonies and sutra calligraphy on Saturday.
On Sunday 22 February, activities including a baby blessing ceremony, tai chi sessions, English Buddhism and meditation will be held.
The final events for Lunar New Year, a light-offering blessing service in the morning and sutra calligraphy in the afternoon, will be held on Saturday, 28 February.
All events are free to attend and are supported by the City of Logan.
Organisers said their extended program allows the wider community to engage with traditions at their own pace, reflecting Logan’s cultural diversity.
