Since we are in the festive celebration of the Lunar New Year, we are likely fussing over customs and traditions. I recall, when I was little, joining Papa’s extended family on the eve of the new year for reunion dinners. There would always be an altar placed outside the flat along the corridor, facing the moon, with offerings of meats and fruits to the ancestors and celestial beings. Each family, starting with the eldest, would take turns offering incense.
However, Mummy would never participate in this ritual (and as children, we simply followed her lead). Papa, although the third son, joined his younger sister at the very end of the queue to offer incense. This was significant, as it was clear that by not observing the tradition of the whole family offering incense, one’s standing in the family was diminished. Watching my cousins go through the routine and noticing their questioning gazes at me, I once asked Mummy why we excluded ourselves. Her response was simple yet firm: “Because Christians don’t participate in offering incense or pray to other beings.”
From then on, for all family gatherings that included ancestral worship, my brother and I instinctively kept ourselves apart. It was not always smooth or easy for us to be “different.” We faced frequent snide remarks about how Mummy was being disrespectful, causing difficulties for the family, or failing to support Papa (who, ironically, was considered the godson of the Goddess of Mercy). Most of the criticism centred on how Mummy’s faith had supposedly led us to abandon family traditions and weaken family bonds.
On hindsight, it must have been incredibly stressful for Papa to endure the remarks while silently grappling with the conflict between his family traditions and his wife’s faith. Perhaps it was this quiet yet steadfast adherence to the Christian faith that eventually planted the seeds of the gospel in Papa’s heart – he was baptized on 26 May 2022, at age 72.
Through these experiences, I learned an important lesson: standing firm in faith while navigating cultural expectations allows others to observe God’s truth and goodness through our actions. Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Our commitment to Christ, even when countercultural, can reflect His light to those around us.
Living as Light During Lunar New Year
The Lunar New Year is rich in cultural significance and family bonding, but some traditions may conflict with biblical teachings. This festive season provides a valuable opportunity to reflect Christ’s light to our families and communities. As Paul writes in Romans 12:18, “If possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” By balancing respect for cultural practices with obedience to God’s Word, we can celebrate in a way that honours Christ.
Here are some common Lunar New Year practices and how we, as Christians, can thoughtfully navigate them without compromising our faith:
1. Wearing Red for Good Luck
Red is often associated with prosperity and good fortune. Many believe it enhances luck and success in the year ahead. As Christians, we know our blessings come from God, not from colours or superstition (James 1:17). However, wearing red can still be a respectful way to participate in the celebration, much like adhering to a black-tie dress code. The key is our intent – our choice to wear red should not be about enhancing our luck but about participating in the celebration with cultural sensitivity (Colossians 3:23-24).
2. Chinese New Year Eve’s Vigil
Traditionally, children are encouraged to stay awake past midnight to “send off” the old year and welcome the new. In some families, this practice is linked to the belief that it will lengthen the lives of the children or their parents. While the Bible emphasizes honouring our parents (Exodus 20;12; Ephesians 6:1-2), it also teaches that the length of life is in God’s hands, not determined by human effort or rituals (Job 14:5). Christians can adapt this practice by focusing on the relational aspects – spending time with loved ones in reflection and prayer – rather than following it out of superstition.
3. Paying Debts Before the New Year
Settling debts before the Lunar New Year symbolizes starting the year with a clean slate. While financial stewardship is Biblical (Romans 13:8), Christians need not fear being “cursed” by debt. Instead, we can view this as an opportunity to honour our commitments while remembering that our security rests in God.
4. Practices Surrounding the “God of Wealth”
One common practice during Lunar New Year is offering joss sticks or prayers to the “God of Wealth,” believing it will bring financial prosperity. Others may treat the “God of Wealth” as a symbolic figure, like Santa Claus at Christmas, and perform rituals associated with luck and wealth. As Christians, we recognise that true provision comes from God alone (Deuteronomy 8:18). Participating in such rituals, even casually, could detract from our reliance on God. Instead, we can use this time to thank God for His blessings and pray for wisdom in financial stewardship. Additionally, Jeremiah 10:1-5 reminds us not to follow the customs of the nations but to trust in God alone. Rather than focusing on material wealth, we should embrace biblical values of gratitude and generosity.
Cultural traditions can hold meaning and significance, but they must be evaluated in light of God’s Word. Paul warns in 1 Timothy 1:4 to avoid myths and endless genealogies, which can lead to distractions from faith. Similarly, 1 Timothy 4:7 encourages us to focus on godliness, not irreverent myths. Traditions should complement our worship of God, not detract from it. To thoughtfully navigate traditions, we should remember to:
Evaluate Intentions: are we participating to strengthen family bonds, or are we influenced by superstition or societal pressure?
Stand Firm in Faith: when traditions conflict with biblical principles, we must defend our faith.
Engage with Grace and Respect: lovingly explain our faith when abstaining from certain customs, demonstrating kindness and humility (Colossians 4:6)
As Christian women, we have a unique role in nurturing faith within our families. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us to “train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” By modelling steadfast faith, graciously navigating cultural expectations, and teaching biblical principles, we create a space where faith can flourish.
The Lunar New Year is an opportunity to reflect Christ’s truth and light. As we balance respect for cultural traditions with obedience to God, we can turn these celebrations into powerful testimonies of faith. Let us keep our focus on Christ, standing firm in His Word and allowing our actions to plant seeds of faith in the hearts of those we encounter.
“In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works:” (Titus 2:7).
Comentários