Plus how you can celebrate!

The Chinese Lunar New Year marks the start of a new year on the lunar calendar, which is based on the moon’s cycles. Unlike the standard New Year on 1st January, the date changes each year, falling sometime between late January and mid-February. For this year, it begins on 29th January, and it’s the Year of the Snake!

How is it celebrated?

Chinese Lunar New Year is all about family, food, and traditions. It’s a time to reflect on the past year and welcome good fortune for the one ahead. Here’s what typically happens:

• Reunion dinners: Families gather for a massive feast filled with dishes like dumplings, noodles, and sweet treats. Each dish has a symbolic meaning—like dumplings for wealth and noodles for longevity.
• Red everything: Red decorations, lanterns, and clothing are everywhere because red symbolises luck and wards off bad energy.
• Giving red envelopes: These envelopes, called hongbao, are filled with money and gifted to younger family members for good luck. Sadly, this might not catch on with uni flatmates!
• Lion dances and fireworks: Expect to see traditional lion or dragon dances and hear plenty of firecrackers—it’s all about scaring away evil spirits.

Why should you get involved?

Even if you don’t celebrate Lunar New Year traditionally, it’s a great excuse to learn about a different culture, try some delicious food, and connect with your uni mates. It’s a fun break from lectures and assignments, and who doesn’t love a reason to eat dumplings and spring rolls?

How can you celebrate?

If you’re not sure how to get started, here are a few ideas:

1. Host a potluck: Get your flatmates together to cook Chinese-inspired dishes. It doesn’t have to be perfect—ready-made dumplings and stir-fry from the supermarket count too!
2. Decorate your space: Grab some red decorations or fairy lights and bring the festive vibes to your room.
3. Check out local events: Many cities have parades, lantern festivals, or performances.
4. Spread the luck: Write down your New Year’s resolutions or wishes for the year ahead—positivity is contagious!

Don’t miss out in your accommodation

To see if your site is celebrating Lunar New Year, simply pop down to reception and check out what’s happening. Many sites will be running special events or promos so it’s a great chance to meet other students, have some fun and potentially get some freebies!

Lunar New Year is a brilliant opportunity to step out of your routine and celebrate something different. Happy Lunar New Year! 🎉🐍