The Chinese New Year is once again upon us. Grab your favourite red outfit, and head out to celebrate The Year of the Rabbit. This is one not to be missed!
The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is an annual celebration to welcome in the lunar new year. Each year, the Chinese calendar is based on a twelve-year cycle, with each year being represented by one of twelve animals: the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. This year, 2023, is a year of the rabbit, more specifically, water rabbit, and starts from January 22nd. The rabbit is known to be the luckiest out of all the twelve animals, it symbolizes mercy, elegance, and beauty. The Chinese New Year is a time for family reunions and is celebrated with many traditional activities, customs, and decorations.
History of the Chinese New Year
The first record of a Chinese New Year celebration dates back to the Shang Dynasty, over 3,500 years ago. During the Han Dynasty, around 202 BC, people started celebrating for two weeks in honor of their ancestors. This was when people began exchanging gifts and wearing new clothes for the special occasion.
Today, Chinese New Year is still celebrated with the same traditions and rituals that have been practiced for centuries. This includes giving family members red envelopes filled with money, lighting firecrackers to ward off evil spirits, gathering with family and friends to feast, cleaning the house to sweep away any bad luck, hanging up traditional decorations like lanterns, wearing red, performing lion dances, and so much more.
The celebration is one of the most important festivals in Chinese culture, and it’s a great way to bring families together to celebrate the start of a new year.
How Can You Celebrate?
There are multiple ways to celebrate and a variety of different customs, traditions, and activities all around the world. In London, people come together to enjoy the festivities of the holiday by attending parades, parties, and various cultural events.
One of the most popular celebrations of the Chinese New Year in London is the Chinese New Year Parade falling on Sunday the 22nd. This parade features traditional dragon dances and floats that traverse through Chinatown and other areas in the city. The route includes several stops, where visitors can take part in traditional Chinese lion dances, performances, and cultural activities.
Aside from the parade, people in London also celebrate the Chinese New Year with a variety of other activities. These include traditional Chinese cooking classes, Chinese language classes, and special cultural performances such as acrobatics and martial arts.
At Vonder co living London, we never miss the opportunity to join in on a great celebration! And Chinese New Year is no exception. This year we’ll be offering delicious dumplings, cakes, and bubble tea for you to indulge in, as well as karaoke and a digital photo booth for entertainment. All will be taking place in Wembley’s spacious members lounge, up on the 14th floor.
Chinese New Year celebrations provide a great opportunity for locals and visitors alike to come together to appreciate the culture of China, it’s a great way to experience something new and join in on the fun!
We at Vonder recognise the importance of culture and inclusivity within our co-living spaces. Join our communities around the globe, where we offer beautifully designed homes to emphasise experiences within a vibrant community. Take a look at our furnished flats to rent in central London, or furnished apartments for rent in Berlin, if you’re looking for your next adventure.
