Lunar New Year is here and it's the year of the Dragon! Here’s some info on the celebrations and how you can get involved.
What is Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year, also referred to as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is a celebration that marks the start of a new year according to the traditional lunar calendar based on moon cycles. It is celebrated by over 2 billion people across the globe, particularly those in East Asia. Whilst there is a Lunar New Year day itself, the celebrations stretch across two weeks.
When is it?
This year, it falls on Saturday 10th February. Traditionally, it is celebrated over a number of days, culminating at the Lantern Festival on 24th February.
Why the Year of the Dragon?
This comes from the 12 signs of the Chinese Zodiac calendar, with this year being the Year of the Dragon. According to Chinese folklore, 12 animals were asked to swim across a river, with their winning positions dictating the years. This is the year of the Dragon, and those born in the year of the Dragon are believed to be powerful, endlessly energetic and full of vitality, goal-oriented yet idealistic and romantic, and a visionary leader. They know exactly who they are and possess the keenest sense of self among the 12 zodiacs of Chinese astrology.
I want to join in!
We have put together a programme of different events and articles to help you celebrate Lunar New Year at UCL. From food stands, traditional dance performances, Mahjong, and so much more, there are plenty of ways to learn more and celebrate Lunar New Year with your fellow students.
How is Lunar New Year normally celebrated?
Lunar New year gives a chance for families to get together, to remember ancestors and pay tribute to Gods. Families often gather for food, and children receive red envelopes with money for good luck. You’ll see a lot of red to celebrate the new year, and that’s because red is believed to be an auspicious colour.
Traditionally, families would clean their houses and themselves in the lead up to the new year. This was to get rid of the back luck from the current year and make room for all the prosperity to come in the new year.
As the clock strikes 12 on the 10th of Feb, you might hear a lot of fireworks, and that’s because fireworks are used to ward off the evil of the previous year and to welcome the new year.