Other Events/Activities
At Nirvana, we take great pride in curating a diverse and vibrant calendar of events and activities, designed to bring families, relatives, and friends together in meaningful ways. Our commitment to fostering a sense of community and promoting lasting bonds is reflected in the array of experiences we offer. Here are some of the events and activities you can look forward to at Nirvana.
Winter Solstice/Dong Zhi
The Winter Solstice, known as Dong Zhi in Chinese culture, holds significant importance as one of the most cherished festivals. This special day marks the longest night and the shortest day of the year, ushering in a season of yin and yang, symbolizing the balance and harmony in life.
Central to the Dong Zhi Festival is the beautiful tradition of families coming together to celebrate with Tang Yuan, or glutinous rice balls. Tang Yuan represents reunion, making it a poignant symbol of togetherness during this auspicious time. It has become customary to eat Tang Yuan on the Winter Solstice, with parents playfully telling their children that consuming it will grant them one year of age. Elders also embrace the belief that they become "a year older" immediately following the Dong Zhi celebration, preceding the Chinese New Year.
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year, famously known as the "Spring Festival," brings forth a season of warmth, affection, and blessings shared among friends and family. The festive and jubilant atmosphere of this joyous occasion lingers until the fifth day of the lunar calendar, culminating with the exuberant Lantern Festival that marks the end of the New Year celebrations.
In the past, the "Spring Festival" was one of the 24 solar terms, known as Li Chun, signifying the beginning of a new year. It was during the establishment of the Republic of China calendar that the first day of the lunar calendar was designated as the official start of the Chinese year.
Rooted in ancient legend, the customs of Chinese New Year date back to times of old. Each year, just before the arrival of Spring, a fearsome beast named Nian would emerge to terrorize humans and animals under the cover of night. People soon discovered that the creature dreaded the color red, fire, and loud sounds. As a result, they adorned their doors with red couplets, ignited firecrackers, and kept their house lamps lit throughout the night.
Mid Autumn
The Mid-Autumn Festival weaves together a tapestry of ancient legends, with the captivating tale of Houyi and Chang Er, the Moon Goddess of Immortality, at its heart. Houyi, an exceptional archer, earned the title of king by vanquishing nine suns, saving the people from an oppressive fate.
However, as time passed, King Houyi's desire for immortality turned him into a despot. He stole an immortality pill, and it was his courageous wife, Chang Er, who took matters into her own hands. To put an end to her husband's tyrannical rule, Chang Er bravely swallowed the pill herself. As a result, she began to ascend into the sky, eventually finding her place on the Moon.
The night Chang Er ascended to the Moon coincides with the 1st day of the eighth lunar month. On this day, people gather to pray for Chang Er's blessings, honoring her courage and seeking her benevolence.
Dragon Boat
The Dragon Boat Festival, held on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, carries rich cultural significance. Originally aimed at warding off evil spirits and diseases during the summer, it later became a day to commemorate the heroic poet Qu Yuan, who tragically drowned himself during the festival.
Many customs evolved to drive away evil spirits and promote well-being, such as dragon boat racing—a sacrificial race to worship totems, symbolizing prayers for favourable weather and a bountiful harvest.
Making rice dumplings, initially an offering to the dragon, transformed into a custom to protect Qu Yuan from harm by throwing them into the river.
Parents Day
When was the last time you visited your parents? When was the last time you embraced them in a warm hug? When was the last time you expressed your love with a simple kiss? The essence of Parents Day lies in cherishing these moments of affection and gratitude for the ones who have given us so much.
Observed in May and June, months of heartfelt appreciation, Parents Day encompasses both Mother's Day and Father's Day. It offers a perfect opportunity to express to your parents just how much they mean to you. It is a day to finally voice the sentiments that have lingered in your heart for so long.
Parents Day is not about materialism; it is about treasuring the precious time spent with our loved ones. Take this wonderful occasion to shower your parents with love and appreciation. Tell them how much you adore them and express gratitude for the qualities you admire in them and all they have done for you.