Celebrating Chinese New Year

What is Chinese New Year? 

Chinese New Year is one of the most important traditional celebrated holidays by the Chinese community around the world. With 4% of students and 3% of colleagues identifying as Chinese, it is likely you will be interacting with students and staff observing the New Year. Chinese New Year marks the beginning of the New Year based on the Lunar Calendar, which this year falls on Tuesday 17 February. Chinese New Year is a time for fresh beginnings, family reunions, and wishing for fortune, health and happiness.  

Each year is associated with one of the twelve zodiac animals, which are believed to influence personality traits and luck for the year ahead. This year marks the Year of the Fire Horse.  

How is Chinese New Year celebrated? 

Chinese New Year celebrations typically last 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival. Common traditions include: 

• Family reunions: Families gather for a large meal on New Year’s Eve, often considered the most important part of the celebration. 
• Red decorations: Homes and streets are decorated with red lanterns, banners, and couplets, as red symbolizes luck and prosperity. 
• Red envelopes (hongbao): Elders give red envelopes containing money to children and younger family members as a symbol of good luck. 
• Traditional food: Foods like dumplings, fish, noodles, and rice cakes are eaten because they represent wealth, longevity, and success. 
• Fireworks and lion dances: These are used to drive away bad luck and welcome the new year with energy and joy. 

Celebrations may vary depending on region, culture, and family traditions, but the focus is always on renewal, unity, and hope. 

How can we support colleagues celebrating Chinese New Year? 

Supporting colleagues who celebrate Chinese New Year helps create a respectful and inclusive environment. Here are some simple and meaningful ways to show support: 

• Be aware of the holiday: Recognize that Chinese New Year is an important cultural and family event, similar to major holidays in other cultures. 
• Respect time off: Some colleagues may take leave to travel or spend time with family. Be understanding and flexible where possible. 
• Acknowledge the celebration: A simple greeting like “Happy Chinese New Year” shows thoughtfulness and respect. 
• Learn and listen: Everyone celebrates differently. Be open to learning about traditions without making assumptions. 
• Include the holiday: If appropriate, acknowledge Chinese New Year in newsletters, calendars, or team messages to help everyone feel represented. 

What’s on at UoP? 

Chinese New Year Pop-Up, Library Atrium – 17 February 12:00-15:30. 

The ResLife team will be handing out red envelopes with a variety of items in them, like fortune cards and lucky coins. There will also be a wishing tree where students and staff can write down their wishes for the year ahead and hang them up on the tree.  

Useful Links 

National Geographic - Lunar New Year Traditions Around the World