How u3a members are marking the Year of the Horse
Lunar New Year is one of the most vibrant celebrations in the world. This year, as we move into the Year of the Horse, u3a members mark the occasion in their own ways.
Evesham and District u3a China group meet to discuss China, its culture and influence. They share information and research findings about the country and discuss the impact of China’s rise on the rest of the world.
David, group leader, shares some fun facts about Lunar New Year, and specifically how it is celebrated in China:
Lunar New Year marks the start of a new year based off the lunar calendar. It is celebrated across many Asian cultures, most notably the Chinese New Year. This year it is celebrated between 17 February and 3 March as we move into the Year of the Horse.
Celebrations last up to 15 days ending with the Lantern Festival. It is all about family, fresh starts, good fortunes and food.
Common traditions
- Red decorations - red symbolises luck and good fortune.
- Red envelopes containing money are given to the children for good luck.
- Deep cleaning before the New Year to sweep out bad luck before the new year begins.
- Family feasts are enjoyed, with traditional foods like dumplings, spring rolls, fish, and rice cakes.
Fun facts about Lunar New Year
- The Dragon is the only mythical animal in the zodiac and most popular.
- Oranges and tangerines are gifted because their names in Chinese sound like “luck” and “wealth”.
- Cutting your hair on New Year is bad luck, symbolises the cutting off of good fortune.
- Naps are discouraged on New Year. Sleeping means laziness all year.
- Fish is served BUT not fully eaten to symbolise surplus for the year ahead.
And what better way to honour the tradition of feasting on delicious food than by sitting down together over a meal?
Over at Tonbridge u3a, the Discovering the Far East group meet to satisfy curiosity about a region which is growing so rapidly, both economically and politically.
Having recently explored topics ranging from Chinese espionage to Cambodian temples, the group marked Lunar New Year in the most fitting way - with a traditional meal at a local Chinese restaurant.
Tonbridge u3a members bring in the Year of the Horse with a shared Chinese meal