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Year of the Wood Snake welcomed

• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO

WOOD SNAKE. The Fo Guan Shan Yuan Thong Temple along Burgos Street, Bacolod City celebrated last night the eve of the Chinese New Year, ushering in the Year of the Wood Snake* CGSamillano photo

The Fo Guan Shan Yuan Thong Temple along Burgos Street, Bacolod City celebrates the Lunar New Year and the Bacolaodiat Festival with various activities scheduled from January 28 to 29 to welcome the Year of the Wood Snake.

A group art exhibition titled “Rebirth” opened at the Dana Artspace at the second level of the temple at 6 p.m. yesterday, followed by a performance by a string virtuoso ensemble, and a dragon dance performed by dancers of the Amity Fire Brigade.

BacoLaodiat Board Member Bobby Cordova and Venerable Zhi Rong delivered their messages during the program.

The temple’s Chinese New Year’s Eve celebration began last night with incense and light offerings, lion and dragon dances, and cultural performances, which culminated with a midnight bell-ringing ceremony for blessings.

The celebration continues today from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with the temple opening its gates to everyone for a day of incense and light offerings, as well as prayers for prosperity and good fortune.

The temple will remain open until February 2 to give visitors a chance to experience the colorful traditions of the Lunar New Year.

The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a major traditional holiday in China and East Asia, marking the start of the lunar calendar year and typically lasting 15 days until the Lantern Festival.

A time for family reunions, the festival sees many people returning home to celebrate with loved ones and engage in activities like house cleaning, putting up spring couplets, and giving red envelopes to children.

Food plays a central role in the festivities, with traditional dishes like dumplings, rice cakes, and fish, symbolizing abundance and good fortune, which is prepared and shared among families.

As 2025 ushers in the Year of the Wood Snake, the celebrations at Yuan Thong Temple promise to reflect the themes of wisdom, transformation, and renewal, uniting the community in joy and tradition.*

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