February 18, 2026
Tzu Chi celebrates the Lunar New Year with solemn prayers
By Thania Florendo
Chinese New Year’s Eve often arrives in bursts of color and sound—fireworks lighting the sky, drum beats echoing through the streets, and lion dances accompanied by cheering crowds. It is a night meant to drive away misfortune and welcome joy.
The Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila, however, welcomed the new year differently. In the evening of February 16, there was a serene, solemn silence. Families gathered with a shared intention—to begin the year with clarity, gratitude, and a compassionate heart.
The Jing Si Abode was beautifully adorned with lanterns and warm lights, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Outside, tables and snacks offered a space for guests to relax and share, while a separate area allowed others to try their hand at calligraphy.
They came together for a sacred flower and light offering ceremony, a tradition that invites reflection rather than festivity.
Tzu Chi volunteer Lin Shanya explained, “For Lunar New Year’s Eve, we prepared a flower and light offering ceremony. This marks the beginning of a new year. The offering is not just a ritual, but a heartfelt blessing for everyone.”
Participants stepped forward one by one to offer flowers, symbols of gentleness and joy. They were guided to make wishes—to cultivate hearts as soft and beautiful as the blossoms, and to carry kindness into the coming year.
Following the flower offering, lamps were presented before the Buddha, representing wisdom and inner brightness.
“Lighting a lamp in front of the Buddha symbolizes lighting the lamp within our hearts,” Lin said. “We hope that wherever we go in the coming year, we bring light with us, and that every thought we give rise to will be wholesome.”
Beyond prayer, the gathering also became a moment of connection. Families greeted one another, shared quiet conversations, and experienced the warmth of community.
For first-time attendee Eva Cu, the atmosphere felt welcoming. “It’s my first time here, and it feels like a big family. Everyone is warm and friendly,” she said. “My wish is for everyone to be happy, healthy, and peaceful this year.”
Another guest, Avegale Chua, first learned about Tzu Chi through a friend and later joined its qigong sessions.
“It’s very solemn and friendly. That’s why we came back,” she said. “I’m thankful for the blessings and guidance. This year, I hope to become someone who can help the community.”
Volunteers expressed joy seeing families gather together for the ceremony. Parents and children offered flowers and lamps side by side, filling the hall with quiet smiles and reverence.
Lin Shanya reflected on the significance of the gathering: “The ceremony resembles a village—a place where people meet not only to celebrate, but to cultivate goodness together. Through these shared prayers, we wish for peace, harmony, and a brighter year ahead.”
As the new year approached, no fireworks marked the moment. Instead, it was welcomed through sincerity and the collective hope that by purifying hearts, peace may extend to families, communities, and the world.
Warm lights illuminate the Jing Si Abode on the eve of the Lunar New Year.
Warm lights illuminate the Jing Si Abode on the eve of the Lunar New Year.
Fresh flowers are arranged in preparation for the ceremony.
Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez warmly welcomes guests to the gathering.
In quiet reverence, the sacred flower and light offering ceremony takes place inside the Jing Si Abode.
Tzu Chi Volunteers gather for a picture outside the Jing Si Abode.
Flowers were presented as a symbol of hope—that hearts may bloom with softness and kindness in the new year.
Flowers were presented as a symbol of hope—that hearts may bloom with softness and kindness in the new year.
Light offerings were made as symbols of brightness and wisdom.
Light offerings were made as symbols of brightness and wisdom.
Tzu Chi volunteers, staff, and guests commemorate the auspicious event with a photo in the plaza.
Avegale Chua shares her intention to support the community in the coming year.
The gong’s sound marks a moment of merit and well-wishes during the celebration.
Avegale Chua (right) poses alongside volunteer Judy Chan, who introduced her to the Tzu Chi Foundation.
Through sutra calligraphy, participants reflect on cultivating tranquility and clarity in the new year.
Through sutra calligraphy, participants reflect on cultivating tranquility and clarity in the new year.
Eva Cu, attending for the first time, expresses joy in completing her calligraphy.
Eva Cu and her family pose for a photo while enjoying the gathering with others.
Tzu Chi volunteer Lin Shanya shares blessings with guests and hopes the gathering introduces more people to Tzu Chi.