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Chinese in South Africa celebrate Lunar New Year in Nan Hua Temple

Chinese living in South Africa celebrate the Lunar New Year in a vibrant and colorful festival at the Nan Hua Temple just outside Pretoria. Let's drop in on the festivities.

The Chinese Lunar New Year is the most important and colorful festival celebrated at the Nan Hua Temple.

South African youngsters learn paper-cutting skills at the Chinese New Year Culture Festival held by the Nan Hua Temple in Bronkhorstspruit, South Africa, Feb. 6, 2011. The Chinese New Year Culture Festival held on Sunday has attracted more than 15,000 overseas Chinese and local civilians to enjoy the Chinese culture including watching lion and dragon dances, receiving bonus, tasting Chinese tea and food. [Xinhua/Li Qihua]

Bin Jua Monk Student, Nan Hua Temple, S. A., said, "Wherever you go, you will hear people wishing each other Happy New Year, wishing each other well, and happiness everyday. This is their culture, this is their tradition, this is what they would do in ancient times."

Organizers of the event arranged to have performances from different cultures for this celebration. They said the activities are meant for everyone and can be shared by all South Africans.

Kwe Feng, Monk, Nan Hua Temple, S. A., said, "The purpose for our temple here is to try work together with South Africa, all races people, all South African we work together for future, for better, for that reason we are here. Especially today this year is Rabbit, it means harmony, it means work together, so we are here, just symbolize going forward together."

A South African woman watches Chinese letters at the Chinese New Year Culture Festival held by the Nan Hua Temple in Bronkhorstspruit, South Africa, Feb. 6, 2011. The Chinese New Year Culture Festival held on Sunday has attracted more than 15,000 overseas Chinese and local civilians to enjoy the Chinese culture including watching lion and dragon dances, receiving bonus, tasting Chinese tea and food. [Xinhua/Li Qihua]

According to the Chinese Zodiac calendar, 2011 is the Year of the Rabbit. The Rabbit represents strength and kindness of heart and traditionally, it is believed that those born in the Year of the Rabbit are clever, romantic, modest and merciful. For others, the new lunar year heralds a new beginning.


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