ST. THOMAS — The gong rang out three times at the Nirvana Temple in Mandahl on Sunday morning, marking the start of the dragon dance and ushering in the annual celebration of the Lunar or Chinese New Year. Across several Asian cultures, 2025 is designated the Year of the Snake, one of 12 animals from the zodiac associated with each year.
Dressed in red along with the other dance performers, Bodhi Trieu Purpura carried a wooden toy snake as the dragon undulated across the front of the temple, followed by the smiling Buddha to the delight of gatherers. The echo of cymbals and pounding of drums added to the soundtrack as red paraders moved through the curved lines of the temple’s architecture.
“The snake is good for renovation, for creation. It’s a very good year and it’s a good year for businesses,” temple founder May Trieu, Bodhi’s mother, said. Bhante Padhanakamo Dung Chi, a visiting monk originally from Vietnam but based in Florida, led the gathering in prayers and chanting meditation. He tied colorful lucky bracelets onto the wrists of participants, offering red envelopes and blessings of happiness, well-being, and peace. Sen. Ray Fonseca was among those giving remarks, along with temple board member John Purpura, and Trieu. Fonseca cited his mentor, Dr. Alfred Heath, who he said was away in Virginia on a medical emergency, as one of the contributors in 2006 to the construction of the temple.