Seollal!

KPop group, GFriend (Yeoja Chingu) posing for Seollal in 
traditional Korean hanbok (chima jeogori)

Seollal!

North Americans and Japanese traditionally observe New Year's Day at the beginning of the calendar year.  Other cultures, such as the Korean, Chinese and other southeast Asians celebrate the Lunar New Year, which is today!  The word, "Seollal" 설날 in Hangul is the welcome greeting of the new year.  

The lunar observance has a long history in the Jewish culture as well.  The season that we approach just ahead with Passover (Jewish), Good Friday (Christian) and Easter (Christian) are all based on the lunar cycle.  Unlike the Asian calendar which marks the new year today, the Jewish calendar marks Rosh Hashanah as the beginning of the new calendar year.  This coincides with the new moon of the month of Tishrei and occurs usually in the fall (September usually, but sometimes in October).

In Brazil, they celebrate Carnaval this week and wrap up their festivities on Tuesday, heading into Lent on Ash Wednesday this week.  Those dates are also based on the lunar calendar.  

Culture and customs differ around the world. As we work to build bridges to other communities, it is vital that we understand our audience's world view and perspective if we are to communicate the good news of Jesus effectively.  This is not only the task of pastors, missionaries and ministries, but of every follower of Christ!