Living in a multicultural society like Australia brings the joy of sharing special days celebrated by diverse communities that call this place home.
Lunar New Year, taking place on Saturday, February 10, also known as Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival, stands out as one of the grandest celebrations embraced by neighbouring countries and the Asian diaspora - whether they're newly settled or bedded down here for generations. This time around, it's the auspicious Year of the Dragon! This Lunar New Year holds particular significance for Metricon, as the inception of the company coincided with the Year of the Dragon.
Metricon wholeheartedly embraces this momentous occasion with a burst of colourful decorations, spirited events, delectable feasts, and cherished traditions. Eager to capture the essence of the festivities, we reached out to three of our New Home Advisors this year, asking them to share what makes Lunar New Year so special to them.
Stacey Gu
For Stacey, family takes centre stage when it comes to celebrating Lunar New Year. She fondly shares how her loved ones always gather around for a heartwarming meal. Much like the way many of us come together for Christmas, orchestrating this feast demands ample preparation – and it's not just limited to the kitchen.
“We decorate the house with bright colours, and all go to the market together to choose fresh flowers.” Stacey says.
Stacey adds that the Year of the Dragon ushers in a fresh start in more ways than one. “It’s our time to carry out a massive clean-up of the house before the new year,” she says. “We donate unwanted clothes, toys and household items to charity and wear new clothes and shoes on the first day of the year. We'll also go to Buddhist temples to wish everyone all the best.”
It’s also a time when the family sets new goals for the year ahead. “They’re often health-related,” Stacey says, “Like lowering our blood pressure or losing weight.”
Stacey emphasises that Lunar New Year isn't confined to China alone; it's a celebration that resonates across the region, spanning countries like Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, and beyond around the globe. While she and her family make it a point to travel together during every Lunar New Year, it's the simple pleasures of gathering around a table, sharing a meal, and witnessing the contagious excitement of the kids that truly fills her heart with joy.
Stacey's favourite moment during Lunar New Year is the family photo session that follows the festive lunch or dinner. The joy of gift exchange adds to the excitement, with a particular highlight being the distribution of hongbao, or red envelopes, filled with money for the kids. The significance of the number eight, considered very lucky, often results in amounts like $18 or $68 tucked inside these envelopes, creating an extra layer of delight and good fortune.
Jack Yu
Jack says that the celebration is a smaller affair these days since all of his children have moved out, focusing on New Year's Eve dinner. “It’s the most important date for us, similar to Christmas, and it’s the perfect time for a family reunion, where we can reflect on the past and hope for the best luck in the new year.”
With so many events happening around the Lunar New Year in Australia these days, Jack says he’ll be keeping his eyes out for community festivals and fireworks displays. He also loves visiting relatives and exchanging gifts, including hongbao for the kids.
“We also do a virtual reunion with extended family members overseas,” he says. “It will be more than 35 years since we moved here, with my parents, sisters and grandma back in China.”
Linda Vu-Bury
For Linda, one of the most heartwarming aspects of Lunar New Year is the tradition where the youngest members of the extended family visit the oldest ones to pay their respects and offer them gifts. “Maintaining cultural traditions is important, as our elders constantly remind us,” she laughs. “And as my parents are the oldest on both sides, we don't have to go anywhere. Everyone comes to us, so we have visitors one after the other.”
She loves watching the kids waiting in line to wish all the elders a Happy New Year so they can receive their lucky money envelopes. "The most creative and outstanding phrases get more money, so it's always fun to hear the cheeky kids.”
Of course, that means their home has to be ready to welcome everyone. “It’s just about putting out lots of fresh flowers and beautiful big arrangements of fruit and food as centrepieces. Red and gold banners come out and pictures of the new animal, in this case the dragon, are decorated.”
Linda says that as much as she loves the party aspect, the focus is very simple. “Most importantly, it means another year of wishing your family health, happiness and prosperity. We all come together to share everything from the past year and make plans for the new year.”
Linda underscores that Lunar New Year is a joyous occasion for everyone, transcending cultural boundaries. Whether through the delightful array of food, vibrant music, or the exchange of gifts, the atmosphere is filled with the spirit of happiness and camaraderie. Regardless of one's nationality, as long as the wishes are virtuous and kind, Lunar New Year becomes a celebration for all to partake in.
To read about Metricon's previous Lunar New Year celebrations, click here.
