Bonds Strengthened Through Chinese New Year Celebration

On 25th February 2024, our vibrant parish came alive with the colours and traditions of the Chinese New Year. Organised with great enthusiasm by the Mandarin Apostolate group, the event was a resounding success, drawing more than 300 parishioners from diverse backgrounds and races.

The event kicked off with a warm welcome from the Apostolate’s leader, Madam Elizabeth Ng, setting the tone for an afternoon of community. Next, Fr. Dominic gave an inspiring speech about unity and togetherness. He then blessed the feast laid out before them.

The highlight of the afternoon was the tradition of ‘loh sang.’ This tossing of vibrant fruits and salad symbolises the celebration of good fortune and prosperity. Using chopsticks, everyone joyfully tossed the ingredients into the air together while reciting auspicious wishes. This centuries-old tradition is believed to bring good luck in the new year.

Adding to the festive atmosphere was the carving of roasted pigs, a tradition deeply rooted in Chinese culture. The significance lies in the belief that the presentation of a whole roasted pig symbolises abundance, good fortune and completeness. This served as a reminder of the bountiful blessings we share as a community.

Of course, no celebration is complete without a spread of delicious food, and this event did not disappoint. The shared meal fostered a sense of togetherness, transcending cultural differences and strengthening the bonds that make our parish a harmonious community.

Adding an element of excitement, the event concluded with the distribution of “angpows”, or red envelopes, through a lucky draw. This symbolic gesture not only added a touch of tradition to the gathering but also brought an element of surprise and joy.

This Chinese New Year gathering was a success in bringing our diverse parish together. As we enter the year of unity and communion, events like this remind us of the joy that comes from fellowship despite our differences. The blend of cultures represents what we hope for our parish this year and beyond.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to our generous sponsors, dedicated organisers and hardworking volunteers who made this event possible. Your support and efforts have truly enriched our parish community, and we are grateful for your contributions in making this celebration a memorable one.