Lunar New Year: Traditions and Opportunities to Pray

Lunar New Year starts with the first new moon of the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar year and is celebrated by many Asian communities around the world. While Chinese communities commonly celebrate for 15 days and Korean and Vietnamese communities celebrate for three, the themes of unity, good fortune and honoring ancestors and gods are universal. This season’s focus on hopes and dreams for the future provides local believers and cross-cultural workers with the opportunity to share the reason for the hope that is in them. Here are some common Lunar New Year practices and ways we can pray.

Cleaning

Before the New Year arrives, homes must be thoroughly cleaned. This symbolizes purification from bad luck and negativity as well as preparation for good fortune.

 “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7

• Pray that unbelievers would meet Jesus in their desire for holiness and purity. Ask that they would be able to see the weight of their sins and understand that they cannot purify themselves and that only Jesus can cleanse us from our sins.
• Pray for local believers and cross-cultural workers as they share how Jesus has cleansed them, removed their shame and given them a new life in Him.

Family Reunions

People often travel long distances to return to their family homes. For some, this is the only time of the year that they can see their relatives. Family holds significant cultural value and is the fabric of society. Honoring elders is a cultural cornerstone.

“I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.’ And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” Luke 15:18-20

• Praise God for valuing relationship so much that even after humans turned their backs on Him, He sent His Son to restore that relationship. Thank Him that even though we have dishonored God, He pursues us.

Pray for local believers and cross-cultural workers as they share how Jesus pursued them and brought them into His family. Ask that they would have opportunities to share how God has healed relationships in their lives.

• Lift up local believers who are not welcomed by their family because of their faith. Pray that they would hold tightly to the truth that Jesus will never leave or forsake them.

Auspicious Foods  

Dumplings, noodles, spring rolls, fish and kumquats are just some of the auspicious foods symbolizing abundance, prosperity and long life that are eaten during Lunar New Year.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

• Ask God to give many who are celebrating a desire not only for good things in this life but for the eternal blessings found in Christ.
• Lift up local believers and cross-cultural workers as they share how Jesus offers living water and everlasting life.

Honoring Ancestors and Gods

Prayers, incense, spirit money and food offerings are left at altars at homes and temples for ancestors and various gods, including the kitchen god, the god of wealth and the Jade Emperor.

“‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.’” Revelation 1:8

• Pray that God would remove blindness from the hearts of those walking in darkness so that they can see that He is the all-powerful, all-knowing and only true God. He alone blesses and protects.
• Pray for local believers and cross-cultural workers as they share how God has displayed His power in their lives.

Fireworks, Lion Dances, and Dragon Dances

Fireworks are set off to scare away evil spirits, and lion and dragon dances represent protection and good fortune.

“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.” Luke 10:19

• Pray that local believers would stand firm against spiritual warfare, remembering that Jesus has authority over everything in heaven and on earth and that they do not need to be afraid.
• Pray for local believers and cross-cultural workers as they share how God has protected them from evil and how He has walked with them through the difficult aspects of living in a fallen world.