Chinese community ring in the Year of the Rooster

The main hall at St Joseph’s Catholic College, Ocotal Way, transformed into a little bit of China as parents and children from Swindon Chinese community wished “xin nián kuài lè “ or Happy New Year to each other.

Children and adults alike donned traditional changshan suits and mandarin gowns to celebrate the most prestigious day in the Chinese calendar.

Association chairman Lijia Qiu, who lives in North Swindon, said he was delighted to be honouring the special day with family and friends

He said:“It is bringing a little bit of home to us. We are very far from home here and Swindon is a fantastic place which we all love so to celebrate here is always special to us.

“We love celebrating together and as a community in Swindon. It is a day all of us look forward to.. We love the UK and we love China and this brings the two countries together perfectly.”

A sumptuous feast of authentic Chinese cuisine including dumplings (jiao zi), barbecue meat (kao ròu) and e-fu noodles (yi mien) was also served to guests in the red dragon decorated hall.

Guan Clarkson, who is the headteacher of Swindon Chinese School, based at New College said the day united the Chinese community.:

“This is such an important event not only for us but for the children too. We are a very welcoming community and it is wonderful to able to spend the day together and celebrate Chinese New Year.

“This is the best opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate our heritage and China as a country. People will come from all over to be here with us today and it is something that we always look forward to. It really is a taste of home when you look around and see everyone dressed traditionally and enjoying being together.”

Chinese New Year was celebrated on January 28 this year, with the rooster symbolising fidelity and punctuality.

Families across China will often celebrate with an annual reunion dinner, light firecrackers and give money in red paper envelopes.