Although the Lunar New Year officially concluded on February 12 with the Lantern Festival, the spirit of the Chinese New Year festivities continues at the Sadana Center.
This year, we honor the Wood Snake, which represents wisdom and intuition, and we wish to share the highlights of our celebration and its significance.
Our venue was adorned with traditional decorations, including red lanterns, intricate paper cuttings, and banners featuring auspicious phrases that welcomed prosperity and good fortune.
From the symbolic distribution of mandarin oranges, representing abundance, to the delicious food, engaging games, and exciting prizes, the spirit of the New Year was truly alive at the Sadana Center.
Our celebration began with the resonant 12 strokes of the Gong, performed by Dr. Cesar Lara, calling for the spirit of the Wooden Snake.
A trivia game was held to teach participants about the rich customs and traditions associated with the Chinese New Year, allowing them to immerse themselves in the cultural heritage and learn about the significance of various rituals.
We continued our tradition by organizing a raffle for the spirit of the snake. Congratulations to this year's winner, Mr. Mark N.!
That evening, we were extremely proud to present our student, Mrs. Joan R., with the Laoshi, Qigong Instructor degree.
This well-earned recognition follows five years of unwavering commitment and discipline.
Congratulations, Mrs. Reed!
In keeping with the spirit of the New Year, we gifted all participants with
I-Ching coins, symbolizing wishes for long life and abundance.
To honor the New Year, we presented each participant with a set of I-Ching coins, which are steeped in rich cultural significance and history. These coins, symbolize not only the passage of time but also the interconnectedness of fate and fortune.
By gifting these coins, we aimed to convey our sincere wishes for longevity, prosperity, and good fortune in the coming year.
As participants received these tokens, we encouraged them to embrace the spirit of renewal and reflection that the New Year brings, and to carry with them the hope that these coins would serve as a reminder of their aspirations for a fulfilling and prosperous year ahead.
Our altar, honoring the spirits of our ancestors, was decorated with offerings of flowers, incense, tea, wine, and fruits.
We sincerely thank everyone who warmly welcomed the Chinese New Year with us.
Your presence and participation made the event truly special.
Reflecting on these 15 days of celebration, we were filled with immense gratitude for the chance to connect with our community and partake in the joyful spirit of the event.
The smiles on the faces of our guests and students were a testament to the success of our efforts, and we look forward to continuing this cherished tradition in the years to come, as we embrace the values of unity, prosperity, and cultural appreciation that the Chinese New Year embodies.
Love & Qi!
Shifu Orlando, Salvatore, and Simo Ana
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