The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a significant and widely celebrated holiday in Chinese culture. It signifies the start of the lunar calendar and is a time for family gatherings, festivities, and various cultural traditions. King’s College International School Hangzhou embraced the joyful spirit of this occasion by organizing a series of engaging activities to honor the Year of the Dragon.

Undoubtedly, the highlight of the event was a captivating dragon dancing show. Dragon dances are integral to Chinese New Year celebrations and are believed to bring good fortune and luck. The splendid dragon, adorned in vibrant colors, gracefully moved through the crowd, enchanting everyone with its rhythmic motions. This mesmerizing performance showcased the rich cultural heritage cherished by the Chinese community.

Another exciting activity during the celebration was an interactive Q&A session about Chinese New Year led by Grade 7 and Grade 8 students. This session provided an opportunity for parents and students to deepen their knowledge of the festival by learning about its history, significance, and various customs. Participants actively engaged in insightful discussions and had their questions answered, immersing themselves further in the vibrant Chinese culture.

The festivities also included Spillikin, a traditional Chinese game that added an element of fun and excitement. Students skillfully removed wooden sticks from a pile without disturbing others, engaging in friendly competition and fostering camaraderie.

Rubber band skipping, another traditional Chinese game, delighted both children and adults with its physical challenges. Participants showcased their agility and coordination as they jumped over rubber bands arranged at varying heights. This game not only promoted physical fitness but also evoked nostalgic memories of childhood.

For those interested in exploring traditional Chinese arts, there were calligraphy and paper cutting workshops available. Calligraphy holds immense respect as an art form in China, with each brushstroke carrying deep meaning. Paper cutting, on the other hand, requires precision and intricacy. Both workshops provided a glimpse into the rich artistic traditions passed down through generations.

Gyroscopes and rolling iron rings were additional attractions at the event, exhibiting traditional Chinese toys that have captivated children for centuries. These toys not only entertained but also educated attendees about the ingenuity of ancient Chinese inventions.

No Chinese New Year celebration would be complete without the tradition of giving red envelopes or “hongbao.” These envelopes are traditionally filled with money and given as gifts to family and friends to symbolize good luck and prosperity for the year ahead. However, in the case of students, hongbao are given with candies instead. The act of giving and receiving red envelopes is deeply rooted in Chinese culture, representing blessings for the future.

Lastly, students had the delightful opportunity to make Haw sticks, adding a culinary touch to the festivities. The vibrant red hawthorn berries were dipped in a sweet syrup and skewered onto bamboo sticks for easy snacking. With each bite, one could savor the delightful combination of tartness from the berries and the sugary coating. As students enjoyed these mouthwatering delicacies, they also learned how to make them firsthand.

King’s College International School Hangzhou embraced the spirit of the Chinese New Year by organizing a diverse range of activities that showcased the richness and significance of this cultural festival. From enchanting dragon dances to interactive workshops and traditional games, students and parents were able to fully immerse themselves in the vibrant traditions and customs associated with Chinese New Year. This celebration served as a reminder of the importance of cultural exchange and appreciation as they welcomed the auspicious Year of the Dragon.