Bogor prepares for new year fest<\/p>\n
Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor<\/p>\n
Chinese children across the world will greet their parents with
\nthe words Sin Chun Kiong Hie or Happy New Year on Wednesday as
\nthey welcome the coming of spring in China.<\/p>\n
"The phrases Sin Chun Kiong Hie and Gong Xi Fa Cai are similar
\nin meaning. The meaning of Chinese New Year itself is the
\nawakening of nature after a long winter," said Susana, a staff
\nmember of Dhanagun temple.<\/p>\n
Temples in Bogor are preparing for the coming new year on Feb.
\n9, including the 129-year-old Dhanagun temple, also known as Hok
\nTek Bio (see photo).<\/p>\n
Located near the Bogor Botanical Gardens, the temple is sure
\nto be crowded with people from all over the country, who come for
\nthe two weeks of festivities that culminate in Cap Go Meh on Feb.
\n23.<\/p>\n
"We hope everything will go OK on new year. As for Cap Go Meh,
\nwe are planning a simple celebration, considering the situation
\nin the tsunami-hit provinces of Aceh and North Sumatra ... We're
\nreally concerned about our brothers and sisters there," said Kiat
\nHariyanto, the head of the temple's new year celebrations
\ncommittee.<\/p>\n
Susana explained that during the seven days before the new
\nyear, all gods ascend to the heavens, except for three gods,
\nknown as Swan Kwan Thai Tie, including the god of mercy Yi Phing
\nThay Tie, the god of health Erl Phing Thay Tie and the god of
\nlivelihood San Phing Thay.<\/p>\n
"Usually prayers are offered three days before the new year,
\nasking for forgiveness after a year of mistakes, and for good
\nhealth," she added.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/bogor-prepares-for-new-year-fest-1447893297",
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