Chinese New Year (also known as “Lunar New Year” or “Spring Festival”) is always my favorite festival. It’s not only a major holiday, it is also a traditional time for every family to thoroughly clean their home to make way for good luck, and gather for the annual reunion dinner before the turn of the Chinese calendar. CNY celebrations officially begin at midnight with lighting firecrackers to chase off the evil spirit of “Nian”. Most importantly, the first day of CNY is a time to honor one’s elders and families by visiting the most senior members of their extended families. Everyone greets each other with words of luck and blessings; members of the family who are married also give red packets (“Lai See”) to junior members of the family. Celebrations typically end on day 15th– Yuan Xiao Festival (Lantern Festival or Chinese Valentine’s Day).

To celebrate the year of Monkey, SMT, Parent-Teacher Association and Chinese Department organized various activities on the Chinese Culture Day. This is my first year with LTPSS and I had massive fun during the event. In the morning assembly, our principal Miss Tam and our three assistant principals gave us warm new year greetings. Our students enlightened us with a fantastic Chinese Orchestra performance and non-Chinese students shared their traditions in celebrating new years of their cultures. The highlight of the morning was definitely the Lion Dance - two yellow lions with each operated by two young energetic dancers, accompanied by loud drum beats. This was done to summon luck, good fortune and to spread prosperity to everyone. One of the lions performed the traditional custom of “CaiQing”, literally meaning "plucking the green". The “green” was hung about 5 meters above ground, the lion approached it and spit the red couplet with lucky words. The dance was truly spectacular and was enjoyed by everyone. The intensive rehearsals clearly paid off!

In the afternoon session, we had a range of activities held in the school playground such as Chinese Orchestra performance (with Mr. Hui and the Boy Choir), Lantern Riddles, Lai See goldfish / lantern craft making and Chinese calligraphy. Our Parent-Teacher Association also demonstrated Chinese knot-tying and traditional paper-cut art. Parents provided traditional snacks such as egg rolls, glutinous rice balls with peanuts and sesame filling, sweet red bean soup and turnip cake. Everybody enjoyed the live music, delicious food and happy moments spent with friends.

That night, our teaching staff had the traditional “Poon Choi”dinner and lucky draw in the Hall. Poon Choi reflects the cultural values in the walled villages such as unity, equality and teamwork. We enjoyed the sumptuous one-pot dish so much! Congratulations to our lucky draw winners; may the luck be with you throughout the entire year!

A special thanks to all parents, colleagues and students who helped make the event a great success.

Lastly, may all of you be blessed with overflowing happiness, good health, success and prosperity this year!

Miss Cheung Chor Yin

As the chairperson of the Student Association, I was the mecee of the ceremony of Chinese Culture Day on 15th of February. I know more about traditional Chiense culture after that. The Chiense Department held a lot of events, like dotting dragon eyes from our principal, Chinese food cooking from PTA, and Fai Chung writing from some Chinese teachers. All of those meaningful events could help students to have a better understanding of Chinese culture.

As a participant of this event, I feel the school has created a great Chinese cultural environment, mainly with the decoration. This special event has made Chinese culture learning more accessible and easier for students.

Fong King Lok 5M 13