Tomorrow is Chu Yi (初一), the first day of the lunar new year on the Chinese calendar. For those of you keeping track, it marks the beginning of the Year of the Tiger. For Chinese people all over the world it is a time to gather with families, eat special foods, and exchange gifts.
In this video blog, produced by our friends at CantoSense, Hannah and I’Ching discuss memories of their family celebrations growing up and some of the special foods that are eaten on the holiday. They also give an overview of other customs and how they and their Christian families use these customs as outreach opportunities.
Specifically, they talk about how to redeem some of the rituals, such as 红包 (hongbao)—red packets (envelopes). In traditional Chinese culture red is a color that wards off evil spirits. In Christianity, it symbolizes the shed blood of Christ and the grace that we receive as a result.
They conclude by urging us to see red packets as a ritual of grace, remembering the blood of Christ that was freely given for us.
May you and your families have a grace-filled new year.
