Get ready to gallop into the Year of the Horse: your guide to Chinese New Year

How do you celebrate Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year is packed with traditions that have been passed down for generations, and every single one has meaning behind it.

Out with the old, in with the gold

Before the new year arrives, there's a massive spring clean. And we're not talking about a quick hoover. Families deep-clean every corner of their homes to sweep away bad luck and make space for fresh fortune. Once everything's spotless, it's time to decorate. Red lanterns go up, intricate paper cuttings adorn windows, and couplets with lucky phrases in gold calligraphy frame doorways. Why red? It's believed to scare off evil spirits and attract happiness. You'll see red everywhere during this festival.

The reunion dinner: the most important meal of the year

On New Year's Eve, families come together for the reunion dinner. This isn't just any meal, it's THE meal. Every dish has symbolic meaning. Fish represents abundance (there's even a saying: "may there be surplus every year"). Dumplings look like ancient gold ingots, symbolising wealth. Long noodles represent longevity, so don't you dare cut them. For Chinese students studying thousands of miles from home, this is often the tradition they miss most.

Fireworks, firecrackers, and fantastic dances

When the clock strikes midnight, the sky lights up. Fireworks and firecrackers explode everywhere, creating a deafening celebration that's meant to frighten away evil spirits. Then come the lion and dragon dances, where performers in elaborate, colourful costumes dance through the streets, bringing good luck to communities. London's Chinatown puts on an absolutely brilliant show every year. 

The social rounds

The first days of the new year are for visiting. You pop round to see family, friends, and neighbours, exchange good wishes, eat more food (seriously, so much food), and most importantly, give and receive those little red envelopes everyone's always talking about.

Temple time

Many people visit temples to pray for good fortune, make offerings, and burn incense. It's a moment of reflection and hope for the year ahead.

What’s the deal with red envelopes anyway?

Right, let's talk about hongbao (Mandarin) or lai see (Cantonese), better known as red envelopes. These little red packets are absolutely everywhere during Chinese New Year.

Here's how it works: red envelopes contain money and are given as gifts during the festival. But it's not just about the cash. The red colour symbolises luck, joy, and positive energy, whilst the money inside represents blessings and good fortune being passed from one person to another. The envelope itself is like a protective charm, warding off bad spirits and bringing luck to whoever receives it.

Who gives them and who gets them?

Traditionally, married people give red envelopes to children, unmarried adults, and elderly parents. So if you're single, congratulations, you're still eligible to receive them from your married mates, relatives, and family members. Employers often hand them out to staff as a New Year bonus too.

The amount varies, but there are rules. Even numbers are good (except four, which sounds like "death" in Chinese, so that's avoided at all costs). Eight is brilliant because it sounds like "prosperity." You'll often see amounts like £8, £18, £88, or £188.

When someone hands you a red envelope, accept it with both hands, say thank you, and here's the key bit: don't open it in front of them. Pop it away and open it later. It's just good manners.

Where can you get red envelopes in London?

• Chinatown is your best bet

Head to Soho's Chinatown, specifically Gerrard Street and Newport Place. The shops and supermarkets stock red envelopes in every design imaginable, from traditional gold-embossed patterns to modern designs with cute cartoon characters. Need loads? Many places sell them in bulk.

• Hit up Chinese supermarkets

Big Chinese supermarkets are goldmines for red envelopes. Try New Loon Moon in Bethnal Green, See Woo in Greenwich, or Wing Yip in Croydon. They stock them all year round, but the selection right before Chinese New Year is massive.

• Shop online

Can't get to a physical shop? No worries. Amazon, eBay, and specialist Asian stores online have got you covered. Perfect if you're swamped with assignments and can't leave campus.

• Check UEL campus events

Keep your eyes peeled for pop-up stalls or celebrations run by UEL's Chinese student societies. They sometimes sell red envelopes as fundraisers or as part of campus festivities.

Make the most of Chinese New Year at UEL

Whether you're celebrating traditions from home or diving into something completely new, London offers countless ways to experience Chinese New Year. The Chinatown parade is legendary, dumpling-making workshops pop up all over the city, and London's Chinese restaurants pull out all the stops with special New Year menus.

At UEL, our diversity is our strength. Chinese New Year is a brilliant opportunity to learn about Chinese culture, try incredible food, connect with classmates, and understand why this festival means so much to millions of people worldwide.

So this Chinese New Year, whether you're handing out red envelopes, tucking into a feast with friends, or experiencing the festival for the first time, get ready for an unforgettable celebration. Here's to a year full of energy, adventure, and success. Gallop into the Year of the Horse with us!

新年快樂 – Happy New Year!