Student VOICES – Chinese New Year Celebrations

This year, as the Cultural Diversity Captain, I have the fantastic opportunity to learn about everyone’s traditions and seeing them share it with joy and enthusiasm.

It was fascinating to see the Chinese New Year celebrations evolve last week and hear about other people’s experiences this year. Red is a common hue that we all observed, and according to a friend, it represents fortune and joy. It was formerly a time to honor ancestors, and it has now evolved into a time to feast and see family.

To deepen my understanding of this incredible custom, I have asked a few people about their own celebrations and what they would like to share with others.

Cecilia Lau is a Year 12 student who has moved from Hong Kong to study. She is now living in the Illawarra Boarding House. She has described the Chinese New Year as “a time of family reunion.”

“We meet our relatives and celebrate together,” Cecilia also added, “It is the first day of the year in a traditional Chinese calendar and for this, we forget about all the sad and unfortunate moments that have passed, and create better memories.”

For Cecilia, seeing the Chinese New Year celebration on the St Catherine’s Tennis Court was “amazing!”

“The Lion Dance reminded me of Hong Kong. It also helped others in the School recognise my culture, especially when there are many students with a similar background.”

“Chinese New Year celebrations vary between places, even in different parts of China!” Cecilia shared.

“In Hong Kong, we have a special dinner with all our relatives the night before Chinese New Year. Then, on the first day, we visit our relatives and get red pockets, and those old enough give them out!”

This year, Cecilia celebrated in the Boarding House, “we had a Chinese dinner night with Chinese food only! I also bought some rice and turnip cakes to cook with my other friends from Hong Kong. Rice and turnip cakes are traditional food we have during Chinese New Year in Hong Kong and Guangdong.”

Throughout the past few weeks, I have heard my peers passionately describe how inclusive the St Catherine’s community has been to them. Cecilia concluded by emphasising how the Chinese New Year is regarded as “the most important celebration in the Chinese community. We wish our family and friends a joyful Chinese New Year, good health, and fulfilled dreams.”

As I appreciate all students with Chinese background during this period, I wish for everyone a wonderful year.

Haneen Ashmeel, Cultural Diversity Club Captain