Chinese New Year Welcomes Year of the Horse Tomorrow

Written by Reader Submission on 30 January 2014

Submitted by Kerry Foster, Echo Bay Ontario (Click to view past submissions)

Friday January 31^th is Chinese New Year, a celebration of the oldest civilization on the earth today. China was once called “The Land Of The Divine”. For thousands of years, Emperors ruled this vast land with the honor and wisdom that came from principles of virtue and morality. It is believed that the rich culture of the people was divinely imparted, meaning that arts like painting, dance and music were inspired to keep people connected to the truth and beauty of the heavens. Unfortunately, much of this cultural and spiritual heritage was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution in China. Millions were killed and countless monuments and temples were destroyed. This has not, however, stopped a large number of Chinese people across the world from carrying on these artistic traditions. There is a magnificent show that tours the world called Shen Yun (Divine Performing Arts). Shen Yun is a non-profit organization that brings the beauty of traditional Chinese dance, music and artistry to the stage. It has been seen and loved by millions of people across the world. If you get a chance, don’t miss it.

“Revealing, touching, liberating… really kind of heart-wrenching, too… I cried… It’s shows like this that can open up more Americans to what I will say is the true traditional spirit of Chinese culture, especially the spiritual beliefs and practices that make China the China I know from studying religion… I think this is exactly what Americans need to see, and to realize the difference between the Communist Party and the Chinese [people].” Dr. James Powell, Professor, Madison. WI

The Year Of The Horse

The Chinese Lunar Calendar is often used for fortune telling based on the Four Pillars of Destiny and the Five Basic Elements – metal, water, wood, fire and earth, which ancient Chinese physics calls the basic components of everything in the universe. The relationship between the five elements is used to make predictions. The Year of the Horse 2014 is symbolized by two elements – with wood sitting on top of fire. As Wood is characterized by being uncompromising, standing by principles, and refusing to surrender, and Horse has elements of fire energy, which brings explosions and gunfire, this may mean a year of great conflict ahead.

In China, there is a group of 100 million people who practice FalunDafa, a peaceful meditation practice based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion and tolerance, who have held firm to their belief despite a relentless persecution by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), a regime based on Mao’s doctrine of atheism, conflict and struggle. With the genocide now entering its 15^th year, it seems that the will of these people has only grown stronger. In the past nine years the Falun Gong have helped over 150 million Chinese (and counting) renounce their membership to the Communist Party in order to disassociate themselves from the crimes of their government. There are now over 70 lawsuits from over 30 countries across the world (including Canada) against top Communist Officials such as Jiang Zemin, Bo Xilai and Luo Gan for crimes against humanity, torture, and genocide. With the uncompromising will of the Falun Gong and the imminent demise of the CCP, is it possible that this year we may see the first ever production of Shen Yun Performing Arts in China where it is currently banned? I encourage everyone to take a look at the uncensored news pouring out of China today and decide for yourselves. It is my sincere hope that this conflict will end soon and we will see see Communism take its final bow on the world stage and the good people of China reclaim a cultural heritage of 5,000 years based on the ancient principles of kindness, and harmony between heaven and earth.

I sincerely wish everyone a happy and prosperous Chinese New Year.