Bogor prepares for new year fest

Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor

Chinese children across the world will greet their parents with the words Sin Chun Kiong Hie or Happy New Year on Wednesday as they welcome the coming of spring in China.

"The phrases Sin Chun Kiong Hie and Gong Xi Fa Cai are similar in meaning. The meaning of Chinese New Year itself is the awakening of nature after a long winter," said Susana, a staff member of Dhanagun temple.

Temples in Bogor are preparing for the coming new year on Feb. 9, including the 129-year-old Dhanagun temple, also known as Hok Tek Bio (see photo).

Located near the Bogor Botanical Gardens, the temple is sure to be crowded with people from all over the country, who come for the two weeks of festivities that culminate in Cap Go Meh on Feb. 23.

"We hope everything will go OK on new year. As for Cap Go Meh, we are planning a simple celebration, considering the situation in the tsunami-hit provinces of Aceh and North Sumatra ... We're really concerned about our brothers and sisters there," said Kiat Hariyanto, the head of the temple's new year celebrations committee.

Susana explained that during the seven days before the new year, all gods ascend to the heavens, except for three gods, known as Swan Kwan Thai Tie, including the god of mercy Yi Phing Thay Tie, the god of health Erl Phing Thay Tie and the god of livelihood San Phing Thay.

"Usually prayers are offered three days before the new year, asking for forgiveness after a year of mistakes, and for good health," she added.