Celebrating Chinese New Year
On February 1st communities around the world celebrate
Chinese New Year, which
has been observed in nations across East Asia for around 3,500 years.
Chinese New Year, sometimes referred to as ‘Lunar New Year’, celebrates the
completion of 12 full cycles of all the phases of the moon, which marks the
beginning of spring.
Many legends surround the origins of Chinese New Year,
including the legend
that a monster named ‘Nian’ (Year) would arrive at the end of the 12th
cycle of the moon to attack villagers. To protect themselves, villagers
would chase Nian away with loud noises, bright lights, and the clothes or
decorations in the colour red. To this day, Chinese New Year celebrations
include colourful decorations, fireworks, and wearing the colour red, which is
believed to bring prosperity and luck in the year ahead.
Celebrate in Manchester…
With one of the largest Chinese communities in the UK,
Manchester is home to some of the largest and most vibrant Chinese New Year
celebrations each year. Featuring a lively parade, traditional Chinese music,
and the iconic dragon dance, the
street celebrations are not to be missed!
Or at home…
While the parade and festivities may be the perfect way to
celebrate for some, we understand that street parties aren’t for everyone! You
can easily observe Chinese New Year at home by trying your hand at making a
delicious Chinese dish. Why not have a go at our Sweet and
Sour Chicken recipe, a tasty take on a Chinese delicacy that dates back to
the 18th century?
