Chinese New Year is China’s most observed festival for its cultural and historical significance and is celebrated all over the world.
It marks the beginning of spring following the Chinese Lunar calendar.
Usually, Chinatown next to Leicester Square would be abound with people, music, dance acts and Chinese lanterns lining the streets.
This year, it’s a completely different story.
Out of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, 2021 is the year of the Ox.
And instead of in-person celebrations, the Covid-19 pandemic means Chinatown will be celebrating the Lunar New Year with the digital campaign #StrongAsAnOx.
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The programme is jam packed with a lot of virtual events, like chef cook-along sessions and a comic strip narration of what traditions are usually upheld.
As we know from various Zoom pub quizzes, a virtual event is never as good as the real thing.
But we spoke to one individual who has Chinese culture deeply engrained despite being born and bred in UK about why this year will be unlike any other.
KaWai (Kelvin) Lee, an 8th generation Kung Fu Sifu (master) from North London has been involved in Chinese New Year celebrations since he was a kid.
KaWai comes from a long line of martial arts masters
(Image: KaWai comes from a long line of martial arts masters)
Now 38, he hasn’t lost an ounce of spirit from his younger days.
KaWai said: “From a very young age I’ve had a strong belief that no matter wherever I live my cultural roots must never be forgotten.
“Since my teens, I was fully involved in the annual Chinese Lion Dance parades around the country with my troupe Pak Mei.”
The colourful and energetic lion dance won’t be on this year due to the lockdown and no audiences to see KaWai and his troupe perform.
It is one of the most important traditions of the festival for the Chinese community, stemming back over thousands of years.
The lion dance would bring good fortune and chase away evil spirits.
Two dancers usually perform – one who controls the head, while the other forms the rear of the lion.
“Before Covid, our dance troupes would be fully booked over this period and I would engage with the wider community in public events up and down the country.
The traditional Chinese lion dance parade
(Image: Photo by Pascal Bernardon on Unsplash)
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“This new year we will not be performing.
“It really saddens me as it is a big passion of mine outside of my professional work life and I will really miss being able to bring a smile and happiness to our audiences.”
“No lion dance for Chinese New Year is like having Christmas without Santa!”
The lion dance is a way for KaWai to promote Chinese art and culture while give the community a blessing.
“I take pride in my work,” he said.
KaWai and his troupe
(Image: KaWai Lee)
KaWai and his extended family usually celebrate for 16 days, a time filled with delicious dishes, the lucky colour and plenty of social gatherings with red envelopes exchanged.
“The ‘Lai-Sees’ (red envelopes) will have to be delayed! Lai-Sees are a traditional monetary gift given to children during the new year to symbolise good luck and ward off evil spirits,” saod KaWai.
Despite not being able to perform this year KaWai remains jolly, with his kids, wife and grandparents, with whom they have formed a childcare support bubble.
“I can imagine lockdown will have an impact on most Chinese families around the UK, but hopefully with the aid of technology they can video call each other and still be able celebrate in a slightly different way this year.
The Food
KaWai didn’t forget to mention what food they would be eating this year, which was salivating to say the least.
“Each food has auspicious symbolism based on its appearance or pronunciation of the dish,” he explained.
A few common examples include fish dishes (魚) which symbolise surplus.
Food is important to the Chinese and certain new year dishes are eaten over the festive period.
(Image: Photo by Van Thanh on Unsplash)
The glutinous new year cake (‘nin-goh’ 年糕) symbolises achievement which could apply to education, one’s career, a business venture.
Sweet rice balls (‘tong-yuen’ 湯圓) symbolise family togetherness.
Chinese dumplings look like gold and silver ingots and the tasty braised pork knuckle (猪手) means you will have handy side-fortune.
KaWai is determined to channel the Ox this year and hopes the community remains as strong as the beast and break through the pandemic.
He finished on an announcement to ring in the New Year.
“I wish the everyone in London, the Chinese community, and the rest of the UK a very good health and good prosperity new year! (‘sun tai kin hong’ 身體健康, ‘gung hai fat choi’ 恭喜發財).”
Happy Chinese New Year everybody!
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