The Chinese community on Reunion Island celebrates Guan Di

From July 27-31 this year, the Chinese islanders will celebrate the birth of the god, Guan Di.

From July 27-31 this year, the Chinese islanders will celebrate the birth of the god, Guan Di. The theme of this 7th edition, “The Universality of Guan Di: beyond borders, beyond the oceans,” should arouse the interest of the Chinese diaspora and people in search of spirituality. The Chinese diaspora represents nearly 40,000 people on Reunion Island.

This yearโ€™s theme is close to the Chinese community that has exported its traditions to Reunion Island. During this week of festivities, respect for family, work, and sharing are at the heart of the values highlighted.

Guan Di, god of war and patron of literature, was built as a model of virtue. The faithful come to the temple to pray throughout the year. In fact, tradition dictates that Guan Di be consulted before making any important decision. Guan Di then receives various offerings of the faithful to thank him for the blessings of the past year and pray for the coming year.

This year, the event will take place around the three Temples of Sainte-Anne in Saint-Denis, where many events are planned in the city center. Shows will include martial arts demonstrations of the Taiyuan troupe, traditional dances, a visit to the village of “Han,” and the famous dancing lions and dragons. For five days, the association, Guan Di Meeting, will introduce Chinese culture, its philosophy, and practice, from tai chi, to qi gong, and feng shui.

The festivities will conclude Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at 8 pm with the traditional firecrackers and a Guan Di supper.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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