Lunar New Year, the grandest and most cherished holiday in China, is a time of joyous feasts, vibrant festivities, and heartwarming family reunions. In Hong Kong, this year's Lunar New Year celebrations marked a special occasion as it saw the return of a long-awaited fireworks show, filling the city with excitement and anticipation. The high-speed rail services were fully booked as Chinese students and workers hurriedly made their way back home to their loved ones. Amidst the bustling city, Hong Kong transformed into a mesmerizing landscape adorned with radiant lights and captivating lanterns. While some shops closed their doors to allow store owners to prioritize family time, the celebrations continued, fueled by cherished traditions and customs. For example, I witnessed multiple lion dance performances while strolling along the streets.
One of the most anticipated and significant traditions during Lunar New Year is the exchange of red packets. In this time-honored custom, the older generation presents monetary gifts in vibrant red envelopes to the younger generation. The red packets symbolize good luck, prosperity, and blessings for the upcoming year. When receiving red packets, it is customary to respond with well-wishes such as gong hei faat choy (wishing you wealth and prosperity) and sun tai gin hong (good health)!
In the days leading up to the New Year, the streets of Hong Kong come alive with colorful flower markets. These vibrant markets are bustling with people
selecting flowers that are believed to bring good fortune for the year ahead. Blossoming flowers hold great significance in Chinese culture, symbolizing new beginnings, growth, and prosperity. It is believed that having a flower bloom on New Year's Day brings luck and abundance throughout the year. With a wide array of choices, from cherry blossoms to peonies and orchids, there is almost anything for everybody.
As the Lunar New Year celebrations draw to a close, the Lantern Festival takes center stage. This final day of festivities is marked by the joyful consumption of tangyuan (glutinous rice dumplings). Tangyuan, with its round shape and sweet fillings, symbolizes unity, harmony, and family togetherness. While making these delicate dumplings may appear simple, I found through experience that it requires skill and precision.
Although I have celebrated Lunar New Year in the U.S, The festivities were not comparable to the scale of Hong Kong’s. However, more important than the vibrant city atmosphere, I could spend the holiday with my extended family in Jiangmen, just two hours away from Hong Kong, eating big feasts and enjoying their company.
Elaine Mo
Spring 2024
GW Exchange - Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Computer Science Major