Australia’s Celebration of Chinese New Year
One of the most important celebrations in the Chinese calendar is Chinese New Year. Chinese New Year is a time of year when Australia’s cultural heritage is celebrated. This holiday normally takes place in Feburary, this however dependent upon the 1st day of the Chinese calendar. Chinese New Year is celebrated throughout Australia in such areas as Brisbane, Melbourne, Bendigo, Sydney, Adelaide and Canberra.
Towards the beginning of Chinese New Year you will notice that you see many people walking around in red clothing, this is because red is an extremly lucky color in Chinese culture. You may also see them exchanging lucky money, which is another tradition for celebrating Chinese New Year.
Many Australian cities celebrate this event which is why another common practice around Chinese New Year is to purchase beautifully decorated Chinese lanterns, silk dragons or firecrackers.
During the 1850s and 1860s Australia experienced a huge influx of Chinese people, this took place during the Gold Rush. This is a big factor in why many Chinese-Australian families celebrate Chinese New Year in Australia.
Melbourne, sydney and Brisbane have designated Chinatowns in their areas where you can find many grocery stores, restaurants, markets and small Chinese businesses. These are the areas that most Chinese people will frequent to prepare for their holiday.
In Melbourne, a Great Dragon appears to celebrate the Chinese New Year. This Dragon is carried through the streets by around 200 people. Each year, the Great Dragon is awakened with a ceremony that begins with an offering to the Gods which is then followed by a lion dance.
As with any other great holiday food plays a major role in the celebrations. The Chinese New Year feast is among one of, if not the most important family meal of the year. For people who come to visit Australia for Chinese New Year this is a great opportunity for them to sample Chinese cuisine at it’s best.
Several Chinese New Year sayings that you might hear at the celebrations are “Gong Xi Far Tsai” or “Kung Hei Fat Choy” (Happy New Year). These sayings are also wishes for the coming year to bring you prosperity and good fortune.