Adventist Perspectives on Chinese New Year Traditions

Seventh-day Adventism recognizes that certain heathen customs, such as those observed during the Chinese New Year, offer valuable examples of reconciliation and integrity that Christians should imitateRH December 16, 1884, par. 4.

Lessons from Chinese New Year Traditions

The Chinese New Year, which generally commences in February and lasts for one week, is a time of great ceremony and sacred observationRH January 4, 1881, par. 12+1. During this period, individuals focus on three primary moral actions that align with spiritual principles:

• Settling Debts: All outstanding accounts are paid so that old debts are not carried into the new yearRH January 4, 1881, par. 12+1.

• Forgiving Grudges: Old grudges and quarrels are settled and forgiven between individualsRH January 4, 1881, par. 12+1.

• Communal Assistance: If a person is unable to pay their debts, fellow countrymen assist them so the account can be clearedRH January 4, 1881, par. 12+1.

Comparison to Christian Principles

While these customs originate from those who may be ignorant of the true God, the spirit of these actions is worthy of imitation by ChristiansRH January 4, 1881, par. 12. God's law requires believers to love their neighbors as themselves and to deal with others fairly and justly, just as they wish to be treatedRH December 16, 1884, par. 4. Specifically, the Bible teaches:

• The Debt of Love: Believers are encouraged to release neighbors from debts and open their hands wide to the poor and needy Deuteronomy 15:1-11.

• The Golden Rule: Christians should act toward their neighbors in everything just as they would wish their neighbors to deal with themRH December 16, 1884, par. 4.

National Reform and Consistency

A point of discussion within Adventism involves the inconsistency of "Amendmentists" or National Reformers who seek to enforce strict Sunday lawsAMS August 1886, page 68.4. These groups often argue that foreigners who do not conform to American customs, like Sunday-keeping, should leave the countryAMS August 1886, page 68.4. However, these same groups often defend the rights of the Chinese to remain, despite the fact that the Chinese disregard Sunday laws and follow their own New Year holidaysAMS August 1886, page 68.4. Adventism points out that applying National Reform principles would logically lead to the exclusion of the Chinese, showing the inconsistency of such legalistic movementsAMS August 1886, page 68.4.

Ultimately, Adventism maintains that truth is found in a plain "Thus saith the Lord" and not in man-made theories or the enforcement of human traditions Psalms 119:898LtMs, Ms 39, 1893, par. 13.