In this festive season, we wish all Chinese families joy, happiness and peace in the lunar New Year. Festive occasions, such as Chinese New Year, are good opportunities for us to open our horizons and expand our knowledge about Chinese culture and traditions.

On the occasion of the Chinese New Year, in close cooperation with the Confucius Institute, our students participated in a variety of activities – Chinese Calligraphy, Chinese Chess, Chinese Paper Cutting, Chinese Cuisine Workshop and Virtual Reality Hot-Air Balloon Flight over Shanghai. We are proud of our Chinese students who were hosting the whole festive event. We also watched a dancing and singing show.

The students got an excellent opportunity to understand the brilliant and profound culture of China and to experience the broad range and great variety of Chinese traditions and customs. We have learnt how Chinese people prepare and celebrate the New Year. They decorate their homes and windows with red paper cutouts and red paper lanterns. Red symbolises good luck. Paper cutouts are usually diamond-shaped with beautiful and exaggerated patterns. They express hopes of a merry and prosperous life.

2023 is the Year of the Rabbit according to the Chinese zodiac. People born in a certain animal year are believed to have attributes of that animal. People born in the year of the rabbit are calm and peaceful. They avoid fighting and arguing, but are artistic and have good taste in life. The sign of Rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity in Chinese culture. 2023 is predicted to be a year of hope. 

May your year of the Rabbit be full of happiness and health!

Mayon (MYP Journalist Group)