Chinese New Year Celebration in Bandung and Sukabumi 2011
Posted on 7 February 2011
This year Chinese New Year- which is the year of the rabbit - was celebrated worldwide as it brings with it new hope, opportunities, and love. Falling in the month of February, many tourist attractions combined the romantic Valentine’s Day with the prosperity brought by the anticipated year of the rabbit. In the heart of Bandung, West Java, Chinese communities who settled here since the beginning of the city’s founding, celebrated the event in spiritual devotion in the 126-year-old temple of Xie Tian Gong, the community temple.
This 40 cm. high statue of the War Lord Guan Yu or General Kwan Kong, was sold outside the temple of Xie Tian Gong in Bandung, capital city of West Java. General Kwan Kong is one of the highly respected idols worshiped by followers of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. Kinoy, the vendor from Jakarta sold this carved statue for IDR 450,000. (photo by Anggun Nugraha/www.indonesia.travel).
A vendor selling Liong dragon toys in front of the Samudra Bhakti Temple, in Bandung, West Java. The Liong dragon is a mythical animal figure that has combined in him the 7 characteristics of other animals, namely the deer, snake, fish, eagle, tiger, owl, and crocodile. (photo by Anggun Nugraha/www.indonesia.travel).
This 30-year old Samudra Bhakti Temple stands next to the 126-year-old Satyabudhi temple, which was formerly known as Sheng Di Miao Temple, and its name later changed to the ‘community temple’ or Xie Tian Gong Temple in 1917. It is the oldest Chinese temple in Bandung.(photo by Anggun Nugraha/www.indonesia.travel).
Smoking joss sticks, locally known as hio, traditionally enhance the temple’s altar during time of worship. The ascending smoke is believed to carry one’s requests to ancestral members in the hereafter. (photo by Anggun Nugraha/www.indonesia.travel).
The Hiu Lou or hanglo abu standing outside the temple is a receptacle to place incense after one’s wishes have been conveyed to the Almighty God. Many Chinese here worship the Almighty God and also pray to General Kwan Kong.
(photo by Anggun Nugraha/www.indonesia.travel)
These colorful dragon joss sticks are placed in front of the hanglo abu and the statue of General Kwan Kong riding a horse. These are burnt by worshippers in accordance to the intensity of their requests and level of wealth. (photo by Anggun Nugraha/www.indonesia.travel).
The small joss sticks are provided by the temple while others prefer the large dragon joss sticks. Devotees pray in humble devotion before the Almighty God, and then place their joss sticks in the hanglo abu receptacle outside. (photo by Anggun Nugraha/www.indonesia.travel).
Worshipers come to the temple and pick up a bundle of joss sticks wrapped in ‘gold paper’ or kertas mas, symbolizing prosperity that is burnt to show gratitude. (photo by Anggun Nugraha/www.indonesia.travel).
The 126-year-old Xie Tian Gong temple with itsthree-legged hiu lou outside, was visited by the Chinese community in Bandung to celebrate Chinese New Year in 2011, the year of the rabbit. The sky was clear blue, and the rains did not pour down until the evening. (photo by Anggun Nugraha/www.indonesia.travel).
Most of the Chinese in Bandung and in Indonesia in general are Hokkien from China, who migrated here since hundreds of years ago. They brought their traditions with them including several dishes, whose names are popular today, like bak so, bak paw, tau ge, tau cho, and many others. (photo by Anggun Nugraha/www.indonesia.travel).
As day turned into evening, visitors to the Xie Tian Gong temple crowded in front of the altar of General Kuan Kong. The incense was kept burning as joss sticks were continuously supplied. (photo by Anggun Nugraha/www.indonesia.travel).
A man prays in full concentration before the Almighty God, kneeling next to a table full of offerings. Since 1980, offerings given in the temple follow Buddhist style, which include water, cakes, fruits, but no meat. (photo by Anggun Nugraha/www.indonesia.travel).
The altar of General Kwan Kong, or Guan Yu, a brave, wise, and just warrior (160-219 AD) who lived during the Han Dynasty in the era of Three Kingdoms (Sam kok/ San Guo) in China. (photo by Anggun Nugraha/www.indonesia.travel).
On both sides of the temple are beautiful Chinese-style murals portraying lessons from Taoism. To enter the temple, visitors do not need to pay a fee, but decent clothing is required to respect this house of worship. (photo by Anggun Nugraha/www.indonesia.travel).
The legendary General Kwan Kong or Guan Yu inspired many due to his bravery, honesty, and loyalty. Worshipers come here to learn his qualities as he is also believed to be the Boddhisatva Sanghadhrama in Buddhism. (photo by Anggun Nugraha/www.indonesia.travel).
A man stands before the three-legged hiu lou or hanglo abu receptacle outside the temple to send prayers and requests to God. In the bustling and modern city of Bandung, the existence of this old Chinese temple provides an atmosphere of antique environment and preserved tradition. (photo by Anggun Nugraha/www.indonesia.travel).
A hand-made barongsai or lion figure used in the traditional Chinese lion dance which originates from the 3rd. century Chin dynasty and brought to Indonesia. The lion dance has become one of Indonesia’s attractions at many multi-cultural events. (photo by Anggun Nugraha/www.indonesia.travel).
