This past week the department of Modern Languages and Literatures collaborated with the center for intercultural learning and inclusion and hosted a Chinese New Year celebration in Alumni Hall. Chinese New Year is an annual 15-day festival celebrated in China and in communities around the world that begins with the new moon that occurs sometime between January 21 and February 20 according to Western calendars. Festivities last until the following full moon. The holiday is sometimes called the Lunar New Year because the dates of celebration follow the phases of the moon. Since the mid-1990s people in China have been given seven consecutive days off work during the Chinese New Year. This week of relaxation has been designated Spring Festival, a term that is sometimes used to refer to the Chinese New Year in general. 

The origins of the Chinese New Year are steeped in Legends. One legend is that thousands of years ago a monster named Nian (“Year”) would attack villagers at the beginning of each new year. The monster was afraid of loud noises, bright lights, and the colour red, so those things were used to chase the beast away. Celebrations to usher out the old year and bring forth the luck and prosperity of the new one, therefore, often include firecrackers, fireworks, red clothes and decorations. Young people are given money in colourful red envelopes. In addition, Chinese New Year is a time to feast and to visit family members. Many traditions of the season honour relatives who have died.  Among other Chinese New Year traditions is the thorough cleaning of one’s home to rid the resident of any lasting bad luck. Some people prepare and enjoy special foods on certain days during the celebrations. The last event held during the Chinese New Year is called the Lantern Festival, during which people hang glowing lanterns in temples or carry them during a nighttime parade. 

Since the dragon is a Chinese symbol of good fortune, a dragon dance highlights festival celebrations in many areas. This procession involves a long, colourful dragon being carried through the streets by numerous dancers. Some of the events that took place to celebrate here at the college were a procession with a dragon through the Modern Language department on the 4th floor of Alumni Hall. Other events included a calligraphy table where students were able to practice writing Chinese. There was also boba tea made by Prof. Learnard. This was the 6th time the college hosted the event and is something they look forward to every year. It’s a great way to celebrate Chinese culture here on campus.