Celebrate the Year of the Dog with Lingotot
Posted: Mon, Jan 29, 2018 2:53 PM
Introducing Lili Wang from Lingotot Colchester
Where in China did you grow up?
I grew up in the South East of China in Jiangxi Province, but I was actually born in Fujian. It would take 13 hours on the train to get from one place to the other.
How did you celebrate Chinese New Year growing up?
I remember almost every year, mum and dad brought all 3 children of us back to our hometown Fujian to have a family reunion. This reunion became even more important when my mum, older brother and older sister lived back in our hometown, whilst my dad and myself stayed in Jiangxi for another 3 years. We used to make dumplings on New Year’s Eve, a very traditional New Year’s Food in China, because its shape is similar to ancient gold and it symbolises wealth. We like this food not only because it is delicious but more importantly, it gets everyone involved and even kids can help with making pastry and wrapping dumplings. It’s great fun.
My dad and older brother also used to put on a big fire pit in front of the house. All children need to cross the fire to be recognised as a year older. When I was too little to cross the fire by myself, dad used to carry me so we did it together. I loved it very much.
Every child also gets red envelops with money inside, from all families and relatives. That was an exciting time. It is to wish all children good luck in the new year and we often use it to buy books, stationary and toys.
What does the event mean to you?
It means a great family time together!
How do you intend to celebrate now you're in the UK?
I wish I could go back to China for a family reunion again especially after I myself became a mum last year. However, it’s not always possible. I would like my son Ethan to learn Chinese culture, so I’d probably try and make dumplings and give him a red envelop too.
Are there any details about Chinese New Year you think would be interesting for people to learn?
Over the years, people have developed many different ways of celebrating the New Year, but we all celebrate it on the Eve and wait for the clock to strike 12am! Every single family in the whole country has the same TV program on - Chinese New Year Gala on New Year’s Eve. Hot pot also becomes very popular to put on the dinner table for a big family, simply because it doesn’t involve much cooking, yet you get to pick any food you want.
Lili wishes you a very Happy New Year!
#ChineseNewYear #YearOfTheDog #Lingotot #LoveLanguages
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