Written by Sophie Yang, Regional Manager (Global Engagement team)

Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, marks the start of a new zodiac cycle based on the Chinese lunar calendar. Each year, the date shifts within the Gregorian calendar. The festival is celebrated worldwide, particularly in Asian countries with different names, such as 春节 (Spring Festival) in China, Imlek in Indonesia, 설날 (Seollal) in Korea, Tết Âm Lịch in Vietnam, etc. 

The transition between zodiac signs is an important aspect of the festival. 2024 was the Year of the Dragon, while 2025 will be the Year of the Snake. The Snake represents calmness and introspection, traits seen as essential for guiding one’s life with wisdom and grace. Known for their wisdom, intuition, and mystery, Snakes are naturally strategic, excellent problem-solvers, and skilled communicators. 

Celebration in China  

Festivities include red decorations, elaborate meals, thorough cleaning of homes, and visiting family. A major tradition involves lighting firecrackers, originating from the legend of the monster Nian. Red is the dominant colour for decorations, which include red lanterns, paper cuttings, Spring Festival couplets, and strings of chili peppers. These are all designed to ward off Nian and invite good fortune. 

New clothes, especially for children, add excitement to the holiday. Wearing new red clothes on New Year’s Day symbolizes a fresh start and invites good luck. 

At the heart of Spring Festival celebrations is the reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve. A traditional reunion dinner includes many dishes, such as steamed or fried fish, rice cakes and balls, noodles, and dumplings. Each dish has special symbolic meanings. For instance: Dumplings, shaped like gold ingots, symbolize wealth; Fish, whose Chinese name sounds like the word for “surplus,” represents abundance. Noodles signify longevity. 

In northern China, people traditionally eat dumplings and noodles, while in the south, Nian Gao (sticky rice cake) is a must-have, symbolizing rising fortunes. The reunion dinner is a time when families feel closest to one another. 

How do I celebrate? 

Growing up in northern China, I have vivid memories of celebrating Spring Festival. On New Year’s Eve, we gathered for a celebratory meal with my parents and grandparents, always including fish and dumplings. At 8pm, the whole family would sit together to watch the China Media Group Spring Festival Gala on TV. The Gala features a variety of performances, including songs, dances, cross talk, sketches, operas, martial arts, magic, acrobatics, musicals, and micro-films. The show concludes at midnight with everyone wishing each other a happy new year. 

On New Year’s Day, I wore new clothes and received red pockets from my family. Visiting grandparents, aunts, and uncles on the second day of the new year was also a tradition, along with receiving more red pockets. 

After moving to the UK, I continue to celebrate by having a meal with friends. Sometimes, I travel to London or Birmingham to watch the parades. 

What’s on in Loughborough and how to get involved? 

The first day of the year of the snake falls on Wednesday, 29 January 2025. This year, Loughborough University’s Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage (REACH) Staff Network has organised a Year of the Snake celebration. The event will include a buffet-style New Year celebratory meal catering to both non-vegetarians and vegetarians. Additionally, there will be a lion dance and Tai Chi demonstration and a 360-video booth to capture memories of the celebration. 

Although there is no formal dress code for the event, attendees are encouraged to wear something red to bring good luck. 

This event provides a great opportunity to network with the Asian community, try traditional cuisine, and learn more about the culture.  

 Find out more information and book your place online.