Lunar New Year — also known as 農曆新年 — is the most important celebration of the year for many in Chinese communities worldwide. It’s all about welcoming the new, saying goodbye to the old and wishing for prosperity, health and happiness. This year, we’ll be welcoming the Year of the Snake on 29th January 2025!
As an international student from Hong Kong, celebrating away from home might feel a little different, but it doesn’t mean it’s any less meaningful. Here’s how I embrace Lunar New Year in the UK and bring a piece of home to university life.
Prepping for the Year of the Snake
The lead-up to Lunar New Year is just as important as the day itself. It’s a time to cleanse, prepare and decorate to welcome good fortune into the year ahead.
- Out with the Old, In with the New
Back home, it’s a tradition to deep-clean the house to remove any bad luck from the past year. I stick to this practice by tidying my flat, decluttering my desk and adding a touch of red and gold decorations for luck. Red couplets (揮春), paper lanterns and even an upside-down “LUCK” character (福) adorn my walls — symbolizing fortune arriving. - Flower Shopping
In Hong Kong, flower markets are a key part of the season. While I can’t replicate the bustling crowds, I pick up peach blossoms, daffodils or even a small orange tree from a local florist to keep the festive spirit alive. - The Perfect Outfit
In the days leading up to New Year, it’s customary to wear new clothes as a way to embrace a fresh start. Red is the colour of choice for luck, so you’ll find me in a bright red jumper or dress, paired with a big smile for extra good vibes!
The Reunion Dinner
Food is at the heart of any celebration, and the New Year’s Eve family dinneris no exception. In Hong Kong, families gather around a table to enjoy a feast of symbolic dishes. While I can’t fly home for the occasion, I recreate the magic with my friends here.
- Hotpot Night (打邊爐/火鍋)– Hotpot is always a crowd-pleaser and one of my favourite ways to bring everyone together. The bubbling broth, the fresh ingredients and the chatter over the table make it feel like home.
- Dumplings (餃子)– Dumplings are a must-have for Lunar New Year, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. Hosting a dumpling-making party is a fun way to get everyone involved—even if our folding skills are questionable!
- Fireworks– In Hong Kong, firecrackers are set off at midnight to ward off evil spirits and welcome the new year. While firecrackers aren’t allowed here, we celebrate by staying up late, sharing good wishes (拜年), and playing mahjong (麻雀) or card games.
Campus Celebrations
One of the perks of being in the UK is how diverse and inclusive the celebrations are. Here’s how I get involved:
- Lion and Dragon Dances
On campus or in nearby cities like London, you’ll often find vibrant performances of lion and dragon dances. These dances are not just mesmerizing—they’re believed to bring good fortune and ward off bad spirits. - London’s Chinatown Parade
If I’m feeling adventurous, I head to London for the Chinese New Year Parade. Starting in Charing Cross Road and winding through Chinatown, it’s a stunning spectacle of floats, costumes and music. Trafalgar Square is another hotspot, with live performances, food stalls and a dazzling finale.
Keeping the Traditions Alive
Even far from home, I try to honour the traditions that make Lunar New Year so special. For example:
- Red Envelopes (利是): Though I don’t hand out red envelopes myself, I’ve explained the tradition of “lucky money” to my friends. It’s always a fun conversation starter!
- Greeting Traditions: Whether it’s “Gong Hei Fat Choi” (恭喜發財) in Cantonese or “Xinnian Kuaile” (新年快樂) in Mandarin, sharing good wishes with others keeps the festive spirit alive.
What’s Your Chinese Zodiac Sign?
The Chinese zodiac is a fun part of Lunar New Year celebrations, and it’s based on a 12-year cycle where each year is associated with an animal. Want to find your zodiac sign? Here’s how:
- Locate Your Birth Year– Find the year you were born in and match it to one of the zodiac animals. The cycle includes the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.
- Quick Example– If you were born in 1998, your sign is the Tiger. Born in 2001? You’re a Snake, just like the upcoming year!
- Fun Fact– Each sign comes with its own personality traits. For instance, those born under the Snake are said to be wise and intuitive, while Tigers are bold and confident.
Fun Facts About Lunar New Year
- The character for “luck” (福) is often hung upside down because the word for “upside down” (倒) sounds like “arriving” (到) in Chinese—symbolizing that luck is arriving.
- Foods like dumplings, fish, and rice cake (年糕) are eaten because they symbolize wealth, surplus and progress.
- The tradition of keeping vigil on New Year’s Eve, known as守歲, is a way to drive out evil and ensure good fortune for the year ahead.
Celebrating the Year of the Snake Together
Whether you’re an international student like me or someone curious to join in the festivities, Lunar New Year is a time to embrace joy, togetherness, and new beginnings. From the vibrant parades in London to intimate hotpot dinners with friends, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate.
Join me in welcoming the Year of the Snake. Let’s make it a year full of prosperity and good vibes!
Gong Hei Fat Choi ! 恭喜發財 !