It’s Lunar New Year and to celebrate, we spoke to two UC students from the clubs scene to hear their favourite traditions and (importantly) what they’ll be eating!

People enjoy a dish of YuSheng (鱼生).

For Harris Oon, Vice President of UC Global Society, the occasion’s all about loved ones. “Lunar New Year – also known as Chinese New Year – is a precious festive occasion celebrated closely with family members and friends,” he says.

“In Malaysia, a special dish known as YuSheng (鱼生) would be prepared for lunch. This dish contains various different ingredients that includes raw fish, shredded radish, golden crackers, and many more.

Before consuming, all the ingredients would be mixed together and tossed in the air as a symbol of prosperity and abundance. This is followed by a red envelop (红包) giving session where elders hand out red packets containing cash as an act of providing wealth and blessing.” 

Harris’ club UC Global Society are also marking the occasion with an event, due to be launched online today, in collab with the UCSA. Bringing together groups like UC International and the Confucius Institute, it’ll blend traditional kai, performances and more.

Above: Casey Brosnahan in Singapore.

For Casey Brosnahan, Vice President of Global China Connection, which inspires students to pursue China-related opportunities, Lunar New Year has traditionally been a time to travel.

“The way I usually celebrate Lunar New Year is by travelling to Singapore to spend it with my close friends and family,” she says.

“There, we go to festivals and shows as well as eating nian gao (glutinous rice cake) and receiving blessings from our elders with 红包 (red envelopes).” 

If you’d like to learn more about Lunar New Year, there are some events and activations happening under Red Level (see below). There are also a lot of cultural clubs on campus that you can join this year to connect more. Head to UCSA’s database, or to Clubs Day during O.Week to learn more.

What’s on

Lunar New Year with the UCSA and UC Global Society in collaboration with UC International, the Confucius Institute and the Chinese Consulate. (Note: tickets are limited.)

Lunar New Year at Christchurch City Libraries: Music, performances and more.

UC Makerspace’s “Crafternoon for Lunar New Year”: A special edition of their regular drop-in crafting sessions.