Thousands of people swarmed to the Nan Tien Temple to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year on Friday causing traffic chaos around Berkeley.
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Cars were seen parked up on nature strips and reserves for streets surrounding the Buddhist temple, the majority trying to make it for lunch-time cultural performances.
The crowd included many members of the Chinese community, both from within the region and further afield.
Each zodiac year is associated with an animal sign and takes on the characteristics of that animal, this year it is the dog, or “sheng xiao” according to Venerable Miao You. Reverend You said anyone born in this year is said to take on dog characteristics of loyalty, being communicative and responsible.
“The temple’s Venerable Master Hsing Yun has dedicated these words to welcome the year of the dog: ‘the legacy of loyalty and honour’,” they said.
Celebrations continue at the temple until March 3, see their website for details. www.nantien.org.au/en/