Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, celebrates the start of a new year according to the traditional lunar calendar, it embraces reunion, renewal, and prosperity. Significant traditions include family gatherings, feasting on symbolic food, giving red envelopes, and participating in dance parades and firework displays. These traditions serve as ceremonies to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new through connecting generations, acknowledging heritage, and fostering a sense of community.

Chinese New Year traces back to the Shang Dynasty (1766 BC - 1122 BC), with its elements deeply embedded in China's longstanding cultural and historical context. Over the years, this celebration has found its place globally, with Chinese communities in different parts of the world, including New Zealand, embracing and keeping these traditions alive. For New Zealanders, understanding the symbolism and significance of Chinese New Year provides a deeper insight into Chinese culture. It also fosters multicultural awareness and mutual respect within New Zealand's diverse society.

In New Zealand, Chinese New Year is recognised and celebrated with much enthusiasm across urban centres, particularly in cities with significant Chinese populations like Auckland and Wellington. Events typically include vibrant parades featuring lion and dragon dances, Chinese lantern festivals, and various cultural performances. Many businesses take part in the festivities, offering Chinese New Year specials and displaying traditional decorations. The Chinese New Year falls on different dates each year based on the lunar calendar but usually takes place between January 21 and February 20.