Celebrating the Lunar New Year
Wilson’s welcomed the Lunar New Year on the 29th January, this year’s first new moon of the lunisolar calendar: a clear reflection of the changing seasons. With 2025 being the Year of the Snake, it symbolises growth, encouraging people to reflect on their paths, embrace change, and seek personal development.
The Lunar New Year is widely celebrated across Asia and by diaspora communities around the world. It marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring, representing renewal, family unity, and prosperity for the year ahead.
The way it is observed varies, as each community has its own unique practises and traditions, reflective of its rich and deep culture. For example, lion dances drive away evil spirits, and red envelopes are given to symbolise good luck and prosperity.
At Wilson’s, the Lunar New Year was welcomed in various ways, such as with the lanterns displayedin the main foyer. Within form times, students were also involved in activities such as snake origami and zodiac bingo.
I, as Equality and Diversity Prefect, created slides to inform the students about the significance of the festival, including its origins, the mythology associated with it, the different ways it is celebrated, and the distinction between the Lunar New Year and the Chinese New Year.
It is a very significant time for many and, as such, some students have shared the importance of the festival to them:
“For Chinese New Year, I really enjoy spending time with my family and getting to speak to my grandparents in China, especially as I’m mixed race so it’s nice to explore that part of my culture. The red envelopes are definitely exciting too!” – Leo (Y8)
“Chinese New Year is absolutely vital for me. It is a moment where family and friends celebrate together by putting up lanterns, eating good food and putting labels saying ‘fu’ on items. This means ‘luck’ and it brings prosperity for people in the new year. You also receive hong bao (a red packet) which people give and receive with friends and family.” – Terry (Y10)
“Tết (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) allows me to connect to my Vietnamese culture and heritage. Gathering with my family and eating traditional food makes me feel united with my loved ones. To me, the festival marks change and hope for the coming year.” – Dan (Y13)
As we welcome the year of Snake, let us embrace the spirit of this celebration, carrying with us hope for a prosperous and fulfilling year ahead.
Article written by Dan (Year 13), Equality and Diversity Prefect