Samantha Cheung, our City Services Manager, tells us how she celebrates Chinese New Year...
As Chinese New Year approaches, I’m really looking forward to welcoming the Year of the Horse. Chinese New Year (also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival) is one of the most important festivals in the Chinese calendar. It’s traditionally a time for family, food, and fresh beginnings.
How I’ll be celebrating
For me, the New Year is centred around connection and tradition. I’ll be celebrating with family and friends, sharing a reunion meal, which is often the highlight of the festivities. Typical dishes each carry symbolic meaning — for example, dumplings represent wealth, fish symbolises abundance, and sweet rice cakes signify growth and progress in the year ahead.
I’ll also be making time to call and text my relatives and friends, exchange red envelopes, and enjoy some of the New Year Gala on TV. Even when celebrating away from home, keeping these traditions alive helps maintain a strong bond. Just a feeling of home!
What it means for our students
For many of our students, especially those studying far from home, Chinese New Year can be a bittersweet time. While it’s joyful, it can also bring homesickness. Family reunion is a central theme of the festival, so being abroad during this period can feel particularly significant.
A few helpful things to bear in mind:
-
Timing: Celebrations typically last 15 days, beginning on New Year’s Eve. Some students may request time off, appear tired (late-night calls home are common!), or feel distracted.
-
Cultural practices: Students may observe traditions such as avoiding certain activities on specific days, wearing red, or participating in local celebrations.
-
Emotional wellbeing: A simple acknowledgment — “Happy New Year” go a long way in helping students feel seen and valued.
Local celebrations and resources in Bath
For students celebrating in Bath, it may be helpful to signpost local options:
-
Chinese supermarkets in Bath for festive ingredients and decorations.
-
Local Chinese restaurants that may offer special New Year menus or celebratory dishes.
-
Student societies (such as Chinese or East Asian societies) which often organise New Year events.
-
Regional celebrations in nearby cities such as Bristol, which typically hosts larger Lunar New Year events.
Encouraging students to connect with their cultural societies or attend local celebrations can help foster a sense of community during this important time.
A time for reflection and renewal
Chinese New Year is ultimately about renewal, gratitude, and hope for the year ahead. In our Uni with an international community, it’s a great opportunity for us to recognise and celebrate the diversity of traditions our students bring with them.
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!
Respond
