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Starting Tuesday, 1st February, the Chinese New Year celebrations begin as we enter the Year of the Tiger.
The tiger is considered to be brave and forceful – a symbol of power in Chinese culture. Tigers are also seen as the guardians of children and young people, and it is customary for many children’s shoes to feature designs of tigers to ward off evil spirits.
Chinese New Year usually lasts for 15 days with a Lantern Festival held on the 15th day to make the end of the celebration period.
Are you planning to celebrate the occasion in Leeds? If so, we have rounded up some of the festivities for students living in Leeds that you can get involved in this year.
Further your knowledge on Chinese New Year culture
If you are interested in Chinese New Year and culture, and want to find out more about it, then you can join the Business Confucius Institute for a short online course.
Taking place on Thursday 20th January from 12pm, this short online session will give you the basic cultural knowledge and language skills to engage confidently with your Chinese students, colleagues or classmates at this time of year.
The course is open to University of Leeds students and you can sign up here.
Have a banquet at Mans Market
If you haven’t already visited Mans Market in the West Point Building, then Chinese New Year is a great time to give it a try. Here you will find an accessible, new age and very hip Chinese restaurant, which has inspirations born from a small fishing village in Hong Kong.
The entrance has a real wow factor and is themed around the Ladies Market in Hong Kong, and the menu features delicious Chinese classics with a modern twist. There are plenty of veggie options on the menu and also a seriously good cocktail menu featuring bubble-gum daiquiris and matcha pina coladas. So why not round up some friends and pop over to taste their brunch menu this CNY.
Enjoy traditions from your student home
As well as the festivities around town in Leeds, there are plenty of traditions you can enjoy at home too.
Why not clean the slate by doing some spring cleaning in your student home – a custom practised by Chinese people in preparation for New Year to sweep away any bad luck. Or why not get rid of that old grudge by making amends with a loved one or friend who you’ve lost touch with or pay a long overdue visit to your grandparents or someone else who you’ve not seen for a while.
The most important part of Chinese New Year is family reunion. In modern China, many young people live in cities, while the elders live in rural villages. The migration back home is called ‘Chunyun’ or Spring Migration. So, make this a period to spend time with family and friends in Leeds – why not invite everyone over to your student home for a Chinese feast (be sure to include fish and dumplings on the menu which are thought to bring prosperity).
Wishing you a Xin Nian Kuai Le from all the Beyond Lettings team!