EPWORTH, Iowa -- Following a year that has been tumultuous in economic sectors across the globe, the Year of the Ox seems well-timed.

The ox is said to represent steadiness through hard work in many cultures.

"God is always reliable and steady in care for us," said Deacon Tam Nguyen, SVD, who noted the day's gospel message of not worrying about what to eat and wear or growing overly anxious in general.

The Lunar New Year was rung in with fanfare Saturday at Divine Word College, with hundreds gathering for the annual celebration.

The varying cadences of instruments and languages from different cultures, along with colorful formal wear, intermingled for a Mass marking the occasion.

Wishing the congregation a Happy New Year in Spanish, French, Chinese, Vietnamese and English, Nguyen invited everyone to turn to their neighbors and do the same in the language of their choice.

Following the liturgy, colored lanterns along the hallways led to a celebration in the adjoining gymnasium.

The Lunar New Year holiday is celebrated in countries throughout Asia. Nguyen said it is a

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time for families to gather, give thanks, remember their ancestors, and honor God with offerings of food and other items.

The 15-day holiday began Jan. 26 and is often referred to as the Spring Festival in China.

Speaking from his own experience growing up in Vietnam, where the celebration is called "Tet Nguyen Dan," Nguyen said the New Year is meant to mark everyone's birthday as the year changes over.

"Today is a celebration of new birth," he said.

In the Vietnamese tradition, whatever happens in the beginning of the new year sets the tone for the rest of the year and possibly beyond, Nguyen said. Debt or bad relationships can carry on, he said, unless remedied before the New Year.

As evidence of that, Nguyen told how as a young boy he ran away during one of the New Year events and later had to apologize to his family for it.

"My life has been moving since then," he said, telling of the various places around the world he has traveled as a missionary.

Past Years of the Ox were in 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961 and 1949. Nguyen urged the congregation to look up "ox" in the bible for more insight into the animal's significance.

Kelli McDermott, of Dyersville, has been bringing her 9-year-old daughter, Frani, to the celebration every year since she adopted her from China at 13 months.

"It's a good way to celebrate her culture. It's fun to see the people and make new friends," said McDermott, who attended Saturday with Frani.

The celebration drew about 400 people, said the Rev. Khien Luu, dean of students at Divine Word.

Luu said about 15 religious sisters from Vietnam attended this year, and they helped in all aspects of getting ready for the holiday.

"Their presence seems to be enlivening," said Luu, who said all of the families gathered help make the annual celebration a success.