Chinese New Year, does christians celebrate as well? / can they celebrate?

[starzgalaxy]

Hi, im from asia country *Singapore*...we just started our chinese new year celebration not too long ago... but, not sure whether does christians celebrate as well? / can they celebrate? Please help me to understand more.... though, it seems like a stupid question to ask.... :(

[WashedClean]

Hello and welcome to CF :wave:

I'm not sure what the celebrations of the Chinese New Year entails. As long as it's not detracting from your walk with Jesus, I don't see why you can't celebrate. If it's just a cultural thing, then go for it. But if it involves any kind of worship of idols, then you should refrain.

Excuse my ignorance, for I have no idea what it's all about. Hope you find your answers!:)

God Bless,

WashedClean

[Lyle]

I celebrate Christmas and it's a pagan holiday. i would say it's not a proble, as long as you aren't involved in any practices that are against the Bible...

[haya]

Hi starzgalaxy,

This is a question that you should discuss with members of your church in Singapore. There are many different viewpoints, I think, even from within the Asian Christian community.

For example, I'm living in Korea where Koreans celebrate both Lunar New Year and the Korean Thanksgiving (Chuseok). Most of the Christians I know enjoy the festivities. I know some families in my church who even have a worship service (praising GOD) instead of bowing to their ancestors. They still enjoy the cultural festival, and they also choose to glorify God.

There seems to be similar controversy in the States over the holiday of Halloween. Some Christians abhor it; some just enjoy it for the festivities. I've heard similar remarks made about Mardi Gras (an annual festival in the American city of New Orleans).

Bottom line, God cares most about your heart. Love God and love the people around you. Be a living testimony to His Gospel. If you feel God calling you to do one thing or the other, step forward in obedience to God's voice.
And check with other Christians in your church, too, to see what they think about this.

God bless,
haya

[Chino]

Celebrating the beggining of a new year is a joyous occasion, I don't see any sinning in it. I'm Chinese BTW and don't see any problems with it, we can be Christians and celebrate Chinese traditions as long as they don't disrespect God.

[Foofish]

As far as I know, the Chinese/Lunar New Year has no religious overtone. However, there are some who go to buddist temples and such to worship on that day. So I guess celebrating the New Year is fine, just make sure you avoid the idol worship :)