Happy Chinese New Year!

Celebrating Chinese New Year with our China office

As we welcome the first day of the first lunar month, we join our colleagues in China to celebrate Spring Festival, the most important holiday in the Chinese calendar. This festival is more than just the start of a new year; it’s a time for family reunions, cultural traditions, and vibrant celebrations.

The heart of Spring Festival: family and tradition

The Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, is deeply rooted in family. For millions of people across China, it’s an opportunity to return home and reconnect with loved ones, giving rise to what’s famously called ‘the largest annual human migration in the world.’

In the days leading up to New Year's Eve, homes are cleaned, shopping is done, and Spring Festival couplets - red banners with blessings for prosperity and happiness - are hung on door frames. This practice traces back to the legend of Nian, a mythical monster that ancient villagers scared away with the colour red, firecrackers and loud noises.

Customs of celebration

On New Year's Eve, families gather for a special dinner, which varies by region. In the South, a dish of fish is essential, symbolising prosperity, while families in the North often prepare dumplings, signifying reunion and fortune. Another modern tradition is the Spring Festival Gala, an extravagant four-hour TV program featuring music, dance, and comedy, watched by millions worldwide.

Exchanging red envelopes (hongbao) is another cherished custom. Originally filled with money and gifted to children for good luck, hongbao has evolved in the digital age, with red envelopes now commonly sent via mobile apps to friends and family, making the tradition more inclusive than ever.

Lantern festival: A joyous finale

The festive atmosphere doesn’t end with New Year’s Day. Celebrations continue until the Lantern Festival, which marks the first full moon of the new lunar year. This day is filled with dazzling lantern displays, delicious tangyuan (sweet rice dumplings), and more family activities.

Celebrations in our China office

At our China office, we embrace the festive spirit with a series of celebrations to honour this cultural heritage. From decorating the workplace with traditional Spring Festival couplets to sharing delicious New Year dishes and exchanging red envelopes, our team embodies the joy of the season.

We are proud to celebrate alongside our Chinese colleagues and wish them - and all who celebrate - a year of happiness, prosperity, and success.