Sunday 29th January between 11am and 3pm saw Wokingham Town Centre attract large crowds take part in the Chinese New Year celebrations. After the Town Mayor Maria Gee made her opening speech . The day began with the spectacle of a Chinese Lion dancing to the sounds of a beating drum and Chinese music. Performing to the crowds was the dance troupe Pak-Mei Lion Dance Troupe
In Chinese culture, the lion symbolizes power, wisdom, and superiority. Their presence reported to bring good fortune and chase away evil spirits. East Asian street food will be available on the day too!
Chinese New Year Wokingham Photo Gallery
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The Duo Chinese Rose played traditional Chinese music on the Ehrhu and Pipa. Reading Chinese Christian Church hosted arts and crafts activities with the theme of Lunar New year and Games related to Hong Kong and British Culture. ‘morearts.’ helped children make rabbit masks, as 2023 is the year of the Rabbit.
About Chinese New Year
The New Year celebration is centred around removing the bad and the old, and welcoming the new and the good. It’s a time to worship ancestors, exercise evil spirits and pray for good harvest.Why are there 12 animals in the Chinese New Year?
According to myths, the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac were selected through a race. This race is meant to create a time measurement for the people. There could only be twelve winners and in order to win, the animals had to cross a rapid current river and reach the finish line on the shore.
- Chinese New Year falls on a different day each year.
- It is also known as ‘Spring Festival’.
- In China, each year is linked with a different animal.
- The celebrations last for 15 days.
- Guo Nian Hao means Happy New Year! …
- Children receive red envelopes with money inside
Words Nick Marr, Photos Paul King