Family and tradition are central to Chinese culture, especially during the Lunar New Year. Many return home for the traditional reunion dinner and to celebrate the festive season with loved ones.
During this season, families decorate their homes with spring couplets (“春联”), which are red scrolls with auspicious phrases. Many also hang the character “福” (blessing) upside down to welcome blessings into the home. A big part of the celebrations is exchanging greetings, such as:
恭喜发财 (gong xi fa cai): May the new year bring prosperity and good fortune
万事如意 (wan shi ru yi): May all things turn out as you desire
步步高升 (bu bu gao sheng): May each step take you to greater heights
Giving red packets to younger family members is also a cherished tradition that symbolises the sharing of blessings and good luck. But it doesn’t stop there . . .
What About Bad Luck?
During the festive season, younger people are often reminded to avoid
1. 2. 3.
Using sharp objects or breaking things, which is thought to “cut off” good fortune
Washing hair, as “wash” sounds like “death” in Chinese
Sweeping the floor, which suggests sweeping away luck
Moreover, ancestor worship and prayers to deities are common practices. Honouring ancestors shows filial piety, as families seek blessings for health and harmony. Prayers to deities are offered for a smooth year ahead, such as for peace at home and success at work. doing anything inauspicious, such as:
These traditions express the hope for blessings and the avoidance of misfortune. The character “福” (blessing) in ancient oracle bone script—the earliest Chinese writing carved on turtle shells and animal bones—was drawn as two hands raising a cup of wine in a ritual offering to heaven, symbolising a prayer for divine protection. The modern character “福” appears to contain the parts: “divinity” (示), “one” (一), “mouth” (口), and “field” (田). Together, they seem to suggest that having divine favour and a peaceful life, with food and land, is true blessing. But is it really?
What is True Blessing?
It’s natural to long for intelligence, wealth, honour, health, and a long life.
But if blessings mean only material things—like a comfortable home, a successful career, or good health— they can be temporary and fragile.
Life often reminds us that the future is uncertain and can change quickly. We may face retrenchment, health issues, or relationship struggles. Even marriage doesn’t always last a lifetime.
When we suffer poor health or are left alone in old age, what blessing remains?
If blessing only means temporal success or comfort, it’s natural to ask: Is there a blessing that can never be taken away?
Becoming a Child of God
The Bible says that true blessing comes from knowing God. Whether we realise it or not, God loves us—like a parent loves a child—and longs to bless us with what is truly good.
Though we’ve turned our backs on God and chosen our own way, God took the first step to restore our relationship out of love.
The Bible tells us that God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to show us his love and help us find our way back to him. When we believe in Jesus, our relationship with God is made right.
When we admit our wrongs and turn back to God, he warmly welcomes us. The Bible says that all who receive Jesus become children of God, who belong to his family and receive his true blessing.
Having Someone to Rely On
Just as parents want to have a close relationship with their children, the Bible tells us God wants us to turn to him, too. He cares about every part of our lives and is always ready to listen.
When discouraged or heartbroken, we can turn to God, and share our worries and ask for help. When we trust him, we don’t have to carry our burdens alone. Our problems may not disappear overnight, but our load will be lightened.
Jesus reminds us that God cares deeply for us and provides for our needs:
You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.
—Matthew 7:9–11
