Mountain Views News, Pasadena Edition [Sierra Madre] Saturday, February 16, 2019

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2019

AROUND SAN GABRIEL VALLEY


CELEBRATING THE “TET” VIETNAMESE NEW YEAR 
IN THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY

By Joan Schmidt

 This past Sunday, my family and I celebrated the Lunar New Year, Vietnamese Style, at Annunciation 
Catholic Church, Arcadia.

 February 5 was technically the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Pig, celebrated by millions of 
Asians worldwide, including the Vietnamese, Chinese, and Korean Communities in Los Angeles. In 
Little Saigon, there was the 7th Annual Tet Parade; participants wearing the traditional Vietnamese 
garments. When Vietnamese immigrants first arrived in the US, they were humble and just surviving. 
Now they have settled down and remember their past as they celebrate the New Year. After 43 years 
of escaping atrocities from the Communist government, they now enjoy freedom and human rights 
and the opportunities to bring their communities together. 98 different organizations participated in 
the Tet Parade, with 13,000-15,000 spectators, and broadcast by 20 local TV stations.

 At Annunciation Church, the 
festivities began with Ancestral Rites 
at 2:45. Mass began promptly at 3pm. 
Their large choir sang beautifully 
throughout the Mass, all dressed in 
their colorful traditional outfits, as 
were most of the attendees. Mass was 
in Vietnamese, but we quietly said our 
responses in English and were able to 
follow along. Many gifts were brought 
up during the Offertory, including a 
large bowl of fruit, beautiful flowers 
and the Communion “hosts” and 
wines.

 This Vietnamese Community has 
been using our Church for three years. 
Their Priest, Father Nguyen thanked 
Father Eugene and Annunciation 
Parish: “For three years, you have 
welcomed us here, and we have 
flourished.” 

 The Annunciation Community is 
most grateful to have this amazing 
Vietnamese Ministry. They have opened their hearts to us; they have shared their culture, included 
us in all their special celebrations, contributed most generously to our Parish, and have participated 
in all Parish events and fundraisers. We are blessed that they are part of Annunciation Community.

 When leaving the Church, we were given a red envelope, and proceeded to the Hall. There were 
two lively dragons, and we tried to get our envelopes into their mouths. It was a lot of fun. There 
also was “Bau Cua”, a dice game, a Lion Dance, dancers on stage, and a sumptuous buffet. And of 
course, it was wonderful to see former students and their children. Thank you to the Annunciation 
Vietnamese Ministry for sharing your New Year Celebration with all Parishioners. 


HEALTHY LIFESTYLES


YOGA IS LOVE

Love yourself and be 
yourself. This is one 
of the most sacred 
embedded messages of 
Yoga. In many ways, 
yoga practice is guiding 
us toward self-awareness, 
self-compassion and self-
love. In this process of 
practicing and absorbing 
the teachings of yoga, our 
authentic self is discovered. 

 Sages know that harmony for the world as a whole 
begins with each individual. Once this spirit of 
self-love (and peace) is embraced, it pours out into 
relationships and everyone we meet. A well-taken care 
of and a well-loved person is a happy, loving person 
to be around. When you feel like you don’t have time 
to practice yoga or meditate, remember that each step 
toward inner presence is a gift for you and everyone 
you love. 

 In practice, the place we most associate with love 
and compassion is the heart. The Heart (not the 
actual organ) holds the essence of our soul or the 
unchanging part of us. It is a place for great healing 
and understanding. When we open the heart, we open 
to all these qualities: love, contentment, compassion, 
healing and joy. 

 In yoga asana practice, back bending is a beautiful 
way to open the chest and heart area. It energizes the 
body and brings life to the mind and spirit. Restorative 
backbends are a lovely way to not only open the 
heart but to receive love and healing in a gentle way. 
Start small if you’ve been vulnerable and take it easy 
physically if you’re just starting out. Too much at 
once is not usually helpful. A gradual building of love, 
awareness and joy will stay the course long-term. 
Other recommended practices that initiate awareness 
and wellness are self-reflection, healthy diet and 
techniques such as self-massage with warm oil. 

Once you’ve put yourself at the top of your list, spread 
the love to others and be yourself. Happy LOVE 
month! 

 Contact me to learn more about yoga, meditation 
and wellness: keely@kuleyoga.com. 

Namaste,

Keely Totten, Yoga and Meditation Teacher, Self-
Love for Humanity Advocate

Sierra Madre Playhouse Presents: TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE Starring Jackson Kendall and Larry Eisenberg

The autobiographical story of Mitch Albom, an accomplished journalist driven solely by his career, and Morrie Schwartz, his former college professor. Sixteen years after graduation, Mitch happens to catch 
Morrie's appearance on a television news program and learns that his old professor is dying. Mitch is reunited with Morrie, and what starts as a simple visit turns into a weekly pilgrimmage and a last class in 
the meaning of life.


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