How Chinese community in Glasgow celebrates Chinese New Year
3 min read
2024 is the year of the dragon (Credit: Pixabay)
Every year members of the Chinese community turn out in traditional dress in Glasgow city’s George Square to join the festivities before later moving to the City Chambers to continue the celebration.
This year is the dragon’s year and it symbolises great power, good luck and strength. They represent power and authority, particularly control over typhoons, water, rainfall and floods.
80-year-old Junita Pang, who has lived all her life in Glasgow said the new year celebration started on the February 10 and runs for the next 15 days. The parade will hold this weekend on Sunday, February 18, 2024.
Pang said: “Crowds will gather at the George Square at Glasgow City centre to welcome in the Year of the Dragon, with a traditional dragon dances, lion dances, Kung Fu demonstrations, traditional Chinese dance, music from Police Scotland’s Glasgow Police Pipe Band, as well as African drummers.”
“We also have new year dinner like the Christmas Eve where the Chinese family will gather together for dinner and spend time together. The celebrations include spring cleaning, decorations, feasting, fireworks and wearing lucky colours like red, yellow, and green.
What is Chinese Lunar New Year?
The Chinese New Year is timed to the new moon and it begins on the February 10 and lasts for 15 days, although it can occasionally last up to 17 days in total.
According to Pang, the Chinese New Year follows the Chinese calendar which is different from the Gregorian Calendar and the Muslim calendar as well.
She said the holiday dates back centuries and coincides with the end of China’s agricultural season, allowing farmers a break from field work and time to spend with family.
Pang said: “The tradition of spending the Lunar New Year with loved ones continues today, with many members of the Asian community traveling far and wide to gather with those most near and dear. the commemoration ends on the 15th day of the lunar month and is marked with the “Lantern Festival,” a colourful display that honours loved ones and ancestors, as well as encourages peace and forgiveness in the year ahead.
Traditions peculiar to Chinese New Year
The 12 Chinese zodiac animals are; Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.
“There are many traditions and customs associated with the arrival of the new year, including spending time with loved ones, shopping for holiday goods and exchanging lucky red envelopes known as “hóngbāo.”
“Another Chinese custom is decorating windows with red paper cuttings and hanging couplets on the doors for luck in the year ahead.”
“Making and eating traditional Chinese foods like dumplings is common and it symbolises wealth, good fortune and ensure luck and prosperity in the year to come.”
Pang added that she is looking forward to Sunday’s parade in Glasgow City Centre as she would be participating in the dragon dance and hope to witness the Chinese New Year in 2025, which will be the Year of the Snake.
