Gong Xi Fa Cai !!

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is the most important traditional Chinese holiday. It marks the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar and is a time for family reunions, festive celebrations, and hope for the year ahead.

In 2025, Chinese New Year will begin on January 29th, ushering in the Year of the Snake.

In Chinese astrology, each year is associated with one of the 12 zodiac animals. 2025 is the Year of the Snake, which is considered a symbol of wisdom, intelligence, and mystery. People born in the Year of the Snake are believed to be insightful, strategic thinkers, and possess a strong sense of intuition. They are often seen as charismatic and sophisticated individuals.

Chinese New Year is a time for vibrant traditions and customs that have been passed down through generations. Some of the most popular include:

* Family Reunions: Chinese New Year is a time for families to come together, often traveling long distances to celebrate with loved ones. Reunion dinners are a highlight of the festivities, featuring symbolic dishes that represent prosperity, luck, and happiness.
* Red Packets: Red packets, filled with money, are traditionally given to children and unmarried adults as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
* Lion and Dragon Dances: These colourful and energetic dances are performed in streets and temples to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.
* Firecrackers and Fireworks: The sound of firecrackers and the sight of fireworks are believed to scare away bad luck and welcome the new year.
* Temple Visits: Many people visit temples to pray for good health, fortune, and happiness in the coming year.

Celebrating Chinese New Year, our staff were treated to a luncheon. We also distributed oranges (specifically mandarin oranges) to our staff. The Chinese word for “orange” sounds similar to the word for “wealth” or “luck,” making it a symbolic gesture to wish prosperity and good fortune upon the recipient when giving them oranges. The bright orange colour also represents gold and abundance.

Wishing All a Happy Chinese New Year!
May it bring you wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune.