Lunar New Year

Marking the Lunar New Year

Buddhism's faithful, and many others, marked the beginning of the Lunar, or Chinese New Year this week with offerings and prayers at temples across the world. The Mahayana Temple in South Cairo was no exception as many adherants trekked to the site to worship, burn incense and make food and flower offerings before the various deities. While Feb. 3 is the official date to usher in The Year of the Rabbit, celebrations take place throughout the week. Above, a couple from Cobleskill make their offerings before a trio of bodhisattva in the main temple on Friday. In the inset photo, a group of women prepare incense offerings to Skanda, also know as Wei Tua, the leader of the celestial guard that protects Buddhist monastaries. Photo by Claude Haton

Published: Saturday, February 5, 2011 2:08 AM EST

Buddhism's faithful, and many others, marked the beginning of the Lunar, or Chinese New Year this week with offerings and prayers at temples across the world. The Mahayana Temple in South Cairo was no exception as many adherants trekked to the site to worship, burn incense and make food and flower offerings before the various deities. While Feb. 3 is the official date to usher in The Year of the Rabbit, celebrations take place throughout the week. Above, a couple from Cobleskill make their offerings before a trio of bodhisattva in the main temple on Friday. A group of women prepare incense offerings to Skanda, also know as Wei Tua, the leader of the celestial guard that protects Buddhist monastaries.