Across campus and beyond, we'll be marking the Lunar New Year. And, in celebration, the Union Shop is bringing you a hot new deal! Read all about the year of the dragon.
We're welcoming the Year of the Dragon this Lunar New Year. If you're interested in joining the celebrations or are just curious about what the Lunar New Year is, this blog is for you.
What is Lunar New Year?
10 February marks the Lunar New Year 2024, one of the biggest celebrations in the world, sometimes also called Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, it is largely celebrated in China, as well as other countries in Asia.
The Lunar New Year is based on the Lunar calendar, so the date tends to change on the Gregorian calendar every year, and celebrations can typically last over 15 days.
Celebrations tend to involve things like dragon dances, flying lanterns, setting off fireworks, giving gifts such as red envelopes full of money and spending time with family over lots of different traditional meals.
What is the Year of the Dragon?
In Chinese Astrology, there are 12 Zodiacs but they correspond to different years rather than months. 2024 is the Year of the Dragon, and each year is given an animal zodiac. Each animal in the Chinese zodiac system has specific character traits associated with it, people use them to guide them through things like their careers and relationships!
How can you celebrate on or around campus?
The Hub is holding a Chinese-themed dinner menu to welcome the Year of Dragon at the Hub on Saturday 10 February from 5pm-7:30pm.
The biggest Lunar New Year celebration in Europe is just a quick train ride away, head to London for the Chinese New Year Parade and the Trafalgar Square celebrations on Sunday 11 February. Looking for more celebrations in London? Check them out here.
Our very own Chinese Students & Scholars Association is holding a Spring Festival Gala on Thursday 8 February here at the SU.
In celebration of the Lunar New Year the Union Shop also has an exclusive deal for you – spend a minimum of £5 in a transaction by 11 February and you'll be in with a chance of winning a limited-edition Royal Holloway sweatshirt!
Rules
Between 29 January - 11 February, simply spend a minimum of £5, ask for a receipt, add your phone number on the receipt and hand it back to the till operator and a winner will be drawn on 12 February. Good Luck!