Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important holiday in the Chinese calendar. Central to the observance is the reunion of families, paying respects to ancestors, and welcoming in the new year with joy and prosperity. This festival is marked by various customs and rituals including the preparation of a reunion dinner, the giving of red envelopes known as 'hongbao' filled with money for good luck, and spectacular firework displays to ward off evil spirits.

The Chinese New Year's importance dates back to ancient China, with historical evidence suggesting it began as early as the Shang Dynasty over 3,000 years ago, where it was celebrated to honour deities and ancestors. For the British-Chinese population and those in the UK intrigued by the rich culturally diverse celebration, the Chinese New Year provides a culturally thrilling experience. The practice of gifting 'hongbao', or red envelopes, has even reached British shores, not only within Chinese communities but among those wishing to celebrate or learn more about Chinese traditions and customs.

In the United Kingdom, Chinese New Year is celebrated with festive vigour, especially in cities with significant Chinese communities like London, Manchester, and Liverpool. Events include dragon and lion dances, colourful parades, music and dance performances, and lantern festivals. Authentic Chinese food is also a significant part of these celebrations. The Chinese New Year does not have a fixed date, and in the UK it is observed based on the lunar calendar, similar to China, usually falling between January 21 and February 20. Each year is associated with one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, which adds an exciting dimension to the celebrations.