Bogor prepares for new year fest

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.