This tradition is a time of familial reunion and thanksgiving when friends exchange good wishes of gong si fa cai (“congratulations and growing prosperity in Mandarin), and red envelopes are distributed to children and respected elders.

The Lunar New Year’s Day will be observed at the temple on Feb. 18. Gates will open at 6 a.m. for those wishing to be the first to give New Year blessings.

The 3-week-long festivities will also feature dragon and lion dance performances, and will culminate in a lantern festival on March 4 in the evening, when children will carry lanterns in a parade.

Call Mia Wong at 688-9898; the temple at 637-8678; or e-mail: miawong@guamcell.net for more information.