Community: myjbselectionmyjb
Branch: 馬來西亞分會
On January 18, 2023, the Tzu Chi Kindergarten in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, was filled with a festive atmosphere. Teachers, Tzu Chi nuns, children, and Da Ai Mothers gathered joyfully to welcome the Lunar New Year with a heartwarming and educational event — the “Five Blessings Reunion Dinner.”
As the Year of the Rabbit approached, children from ages four to six, guided by teachers and Da Ai Mothers, personally prepared the “Five Blessings Reunion Dinner,” a symbol of good fortune and auspiciousness. Some carefully washed vegetables, while others focused on chopping and arranging ingredients. The lively yet orderly scene was full of laughter and excitement. When asked what they were preparing, five-year-old Chen Wenhao eagerly listed enoki mushrooms, white beech mushrooms, and abalone mushrooms. Meanwhile, four-year-old Wu Xinyou proudly shared how she arranged oranges into the shape of flowers. Through this hands-on collaboration, the children not only learned teamwork but also experienced the cultural rituals of the Lunar New Year.
Amidst the cheerful voices, the steaming reunion dinner was finally ready. Everyone sat together to enjoy the fruits of their joint efforts. The teachers also took the opportunity to share the story behind the reunion dinner and the traditions of the New Year. Teacher Zhong Siyen from Tzu Chi Kindergarten explained that through the story of the Nian beast, the children understood that the reunion dinner symbolizes not only the start of a new year but also family togetherness, collective preparation, and mutual care. Kindergartener He Shuheng also clearly expressed, “The reunion dinner is eaten during the New Year.”
This event was more than just a meal — it was a cultural inheritance and a nurturing experience for the heart. At the beginning of the new year, the children learned to feel gratitude and to share blessings through their participation. May these innocent wishes bring purer hearts, a more harmonious society, a world free from disasters, and a spring full of blossoming warmth.
