What is Lunar New Year?

The Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is the most important festival of the year for many cultures across East Asia, including China, Vietnam, Korea and Thailand. It marks the arrival of spring and the beginning of the lunar calendar and ends with the lantern festival on the 15th day. The date changes every year as it is based on both the moon’s phases and the earth’s orbits around the sun. In 2024 it occurs on 10 February.

Each year is associated with one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, and 2024 celebrates the Year of the Dragon (or Naga in Thailand). Festivities include family gatherings, feasting on traditional foods (fish, dumplings spring rolls, noodles, rice cakes and many more), dragon and lion dances, and fireworks. The giving of red envelopes, hongbao in Chinese or li xi in Vietnamese, is common during this time, representing blessings and good fortune for the recipient.

The Lunar New Year signifies renewal, luck and the opportunity for a fresh start, with traditions aimed at warding off evil spirits and welcoming prosperity and good fortune.

As we embrace the Lunar New Year, Rangi Ruru extends our warmest wishes for a year filled with happiness, prosperity and good fortune. May the Year of the Dragon bring you and your loved ones abundant blessings, health and success in all your endeavours. Let us celebrate the rich traditions and cultural heritage that unite us during this special time. Your presence enriches our school community and we are grateful for the opportunity to share in the joy of this auspicious occasion with you.

新年快乐! (this is 'Xin Nian Kuai Le' which means Happy New Year in Mandarin Chinese)

Louise Stanton
International Dean