Photo blog: Cultural twist to CNY service

Photo blog: Cultural twist to CNY service

Oranges were blessed and given to all who attended the Mass, while ang pow (red packet) were given to children. A lion dance performance ensued in the church hall, after the Mass.

The Chinese New Year Mass in the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Penang held a special twist as an ancestral table was set up beside the main altar. The ancestral tablet was placed on the table for the people to honour their ancestors. They do this by offering red candles, joss-sticks, fruits, flowers, tea – all of which held symbolic significance.

Oranges were blessed and given to all who attended the Mass, while ang pow (red packet) were given to children. A lion dance performance ensued in the church hall, after the Mass.

Cathedral of the Holy Spirit decked with CNY lanterns
Four priests to usher in the 'Dragon Year'.
Red candles and joss-sticks found a place within the Mass
Priests paying respect to ancestors
Tea offering
Tea for the ancestors
Offertory
Carts of Oranges wheeled out to be blessed
Blessing of the Oranges
Children receiving angpow
A fellowship of religion and culture
Gong Xi Fa Cai
Cherry on the cake
A communal leap into the Dragon Year

 

 

 

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Lucia Lai