We have had great fun at Friary Care learning about the Chinese zodiac and celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake for 2025.
We’ve been celebrating the Year of the Snake with our friends here at Friary Care. We’ve decorated the home with our beautiful home-made Chinese lanterns and snake art work.
We finished off the day with a traditional Chinese feast with our residents picking their favourites from a chinese menu, surrounded by friends around the table.
All in all, it’s been a very happy day full of fun, laughter, and celebration!
Gong Xi Fa Cai! (Happy Chinese Lunar New Year!)
#FriaryCare #YearOfTheSnake
Chinese New Year Gallery
Chinese New Year Facts
Here are some interesting facts about Chinese New Year (also called Lunar New Year or Spring Festival):
- It’s Based on the Lunar Calendar
Chinese New Year falls on the first new moon of the lunar calendar, usually between January 21 and February 20. In 2025, it will be on January 29. - Each Year Has a Zodiac Animal
The Chinese zodiac follows a 12-year cycle, with each year linked to an animal sign. 2024 is the Year of the Dragon, and 2025 will be the Year of the Snake. - It Lasts 15 Days
The celebration starts on New Year’s Eve and ends with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day. During this time, people visit family, eat traditional foods, and watch fireworks. - Red is the Lucky Colour
Red symbolises good luck and prosperity, which is why streets, homes, and clothes are often decorated in red. Red envelopes (hóngbāo) with money are given to children and unmarried adults for luck. - Fireworks Scare Away Evil Spirits
Setting off fireworks and firecrackers is an ancient tradition believed to scare away the mythical beast Nian, which, according to legend, used to attack villages. - Food Symbolism is Huge
Some traditional Chinese New Year foods include:
- Dumplings (Jiǎozi) – Symbolizing wealth (they look like ancient Chinese money).
- Fish (Yú) – Eating fish symbolizes abundance because “fish” sounds like “surplus” in Chinese.
- Spring Rolls – Representing gold bars for prosperity.
- Glutinous Rice Cake (Niángāo) – Symbolizing a higher year (progress and growth).
Greetings and Blessings
Popular Chinese New Year greetings include:
- Xīnnián kuàilè (新年快乐) – “Happy New Year”
- Gōng xǐ fā cái (恭喜发财) – “Wishing you prosperity”
Chinese Lanterns
As you can see the residents of Friary Care had a great time making Chinese lanterns, but did you know …..
- They Date Back Over 2,000 Years
Chinese lanterns have been used since the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD). Originally, they were used as a light source, but over time, they became symbols of celebration and luck. - The Lantern Festival Marks the End of Chinese New Year
The Lantern Festival (Yuánxiāo Jié, 元宵节) is held on the 15th day of Chinese New Year. People celebrate by releasing lanterns, eating sweet rice balls (tāngyuán), and solving riddles written on lanterns. - Different Colours Have Different Meanings
- Red – Good luck and prosperity
- Yellow/Gold – Wealth and power (historically reserved for emperors)
- Blue/Green – Health, growth, and harmony
- Black/White – Traditionally associated with mourning and funerals
- They Come in Many Shapes and Designs
Besides the traditional round lanterns, you can find them in the shape of dragons, fish, lotus flowers, rabbits, and even modern cartoon characters! - Releasing Lanterns Symbolises Letting Go of Troubles
During celebrations, people write wishes, prayers, or messages on lanterns before releasing them into the sky or floating them on water. This symbolizes letting go of the past and welcoming good fortune. - Some Cities Ban Sky Lanterns for Safety
While sky lanterns are beautiful, many places ban them due to fire hazards. In China, Taiwan, and Thailand, controlled releases happen in designated areas to prevent accidents. - There Are Lantern Festivals Outside of China
Chinese lantern festivals are popular worldwide! Some of the biggest celebrations happen in:- Taiwan (Pingxi Lantern Festival)
- Singapore (River Hongbao)
- Thailand (Yi Peng Festival – though it’s different from the Chinese version)
- London & New York (Large-scale lantern displays in parks)
- Modern Lanterns Use LED Lights
Nowadays, traditional candle-lit lanterns are often replaced with LED lights and battery-powered displays, making them safer and reusable. - Giant Lantern Displays Can Be Over 10 Meters Tall!
Some lantern festivals feature massive, elaborate light installations, including dragons, pagodas, and zodiac animals that can reach over 30 feet (10 meters) tall!
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