Jakarta, IO – Indonesian-Chinese residents clean a number of deity statues at the Bahtera Bakti Vihara, Jakarta. The tradition is part of preparations to welcome the Chinese New Year 2575 which falls on Saturday, February 10, 2024.
In this ceremony, the statues of gods and goddesses that usually decorate the altar are removed and placed in a tub filled with prepared flower water. Each statue was then undressed and carefully cleaned with a brush, removing any layer of dust. This cleaning process is a symbolism to maintain the cleanliness and honor of the statues.
Once the washing process is complete, the statues are dried thoroughly using a rag or towel, ensuring that they are clean and neat. This activity is not just a ritual, but also an expression of enthusiasm to welcome the New Year with a clean and fresh heart.
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Cleaning statues of gods and goddesses is expected to not only maintain the authenticity of the art work, but also be a symbol of self-purification ahead of the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, creating an atmosphere full of hope and purity.
(IO/Faisal Ramadhan)