Buddhist temple grounds
inside one portion of the temple
a bucket of matches to light the incense
the incense which we lightto honor the departed spirits
beautiful placards for the departed spirits
the beautiful red pillars in front of the temple
a lovely little pond with lotus plants
wishing you all peace, serenity, love, joy, and hopein this new year
Each culture has its own special traditions and rituals that they honor and continue.
In Hawaii, the Chinese Americans who are Buddhist visit temples such as this one in Nuuanu to bring flowers, food offerings--usually the departed person's favorite fruits or sweets, and say prayers while lighting incense to their dearly departed. In the temple, there are hundreds of wooden placards with each loved ones name written in Chinese. Many of these placards have both the husband and wife's names on them.
Jimmy and his famiy visit their mom at this temple...instead of going to her gravesite. Here we light incense, bow our heads, and speak to her.
This is a similar tradition that people do when they visit their loved ones gravesite.
I've always found this temple to be so beautiful and peaceful. Such a lovely place to visit and honor Jimmy's mom. We'll be visiting her there soon to celebrate Chinese New Year with her.
In Hawaii, the Chinese Americans who are Buddhist visit temples such as this one in Nuuanu to bring flowers, food offerings--usually the departed person's favorite fruits or sweets, and say prayers while lighting incense to their dearly departed. In the temple, there are hundreds of wooden placards with each loved ones name written in Chinese. Many of these placards have both the husband and wife's names on them.
Jimmy and his famiy visit their mom at this temple...instead of going to her gravesite. Here we light incense, bow our heads, and speak to her.
This is a similar tradition that people do when they visit their loved ones gravesite.
I've always found this temple to be so beautiful and peaceful. Such a lovely place to visit and honor Jimmy's mom. We'll be visiting her there soon to celebrate Chinese New Year with her.
7 comments:
Lovely photos, and it is nice to learn of this tradition. Did you get my email that I got your lovely package? Thanks so much!
Thanks for blogging about my Aloha package to you. I'm so glad that Quin enjoyed the chocolates. Those are some of my fav treats...a couple here and there won't hurt me I always say. :)
They were delicious! Thanks so much! A little chocolate does everyone good...
Stace, what a lovely blog post. Thank you for sharing this tradition and beautiful photos. ox joon
What beautiful photos! I've always passed by the Temple wanting to visit, but alas, never actually had the opportunity of doing so. Once we are back, I will certainly be visiting.
I really liked the story you shared. My mom did not incorporate many traditions into our celebration of Chinese New Year, although I wish she did!
Happy Chinese New Year to you Stacy!
Grace, I didn't know you were a local gal! Kung Hee Fat Choy! Wishing you Lots of Wealth! :)
I am not Chinese, but I do celebrate the Lunar New Year here in Singapore- especially getting rid of the clutter!
Over the new year though, I just slept in and watched a lot of TV :) Gong Xi Fa Cai!
Pinky
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