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http://www.chinesenewyear.com.au/
20 January, 2012 4:51PM AWST
Celebrating Lunar New Year in Perth
By Brooke Bannister
Perth local Ken Lee explains how to celebrate the lunar new year dragon-style
Ken Lee has fond memories of celebrating Lunar New Year in Singapore with his family. There were fireworks in the street, intense celebrations and a two day public holiday, which he misses here in Australia.
"Over here, it's just a normal working day but I guess the scale of the celebration is a lot smaller here too," Mr Lee said.
He has been celebrating Lunar New Year in Australia for 22 years and says it does get better every year.
"I think Perth is getting there, definitely, with the increase in the Chinese community and other cultures as well."
The year of the dragon will be the largest Lunar New Year celebration Perth has seen with a full weekend of cultural activities planned on January 28-29.
Streets will be closed as Perth Chinese dance troupes make their way through Northbridge, Perth's un-official China Town. There will also be chopstick lessons and a chance to dress in traditional Chinese clothes.
Away from the public celebrations, most people celebrate the traditional lead up to Lunar New Year with family.
"The big reunion dinner is actually similar to the New Years Eve celebrated here in Australia, you get everyone together focusing on family and then you choose the right direction for the year ahead."
The occasion is celebrated around the world and is a significant event for expatriates' to feel a connection with their traditional culture.
"Being born in Singapore with a Chinese background, it's very important to carry-on the tradition and it goes for 15 days, not just two," Mr Lee explains.
"Chinese New Year is all about reunion and also a brand new fresh start to the new year."
There are many traditions that are followed including a big cleanout of the home and new clothes being bought before the Lunar New Year. However, there are many taboos as well, such as not cleaning on New Year's Day.
"You don't sweep away anything in the house, you keep your broom and cleaning appliances in the closet on that day," Mr Lee explains.
"You don't cut your hair because that means you cut away your wealth and you don't say any non-auspicious words, like books rhymes with loose [in Mandarin] so you don't say anything about boring books that day."
The year of the dragon is also one of the most significant on the lunar calendar as it's the only mystical being out of the 12 animals.
"It's so auspicious that you will see a lot of couples either trying to get married or even having a baby within this year, so they will all be clamouring to get a piece of the dragon year."
The year of the snake is in 2013 and according to Mr Lee this year is not as lucky as the dragon.
"Next year is the year of the snake so you'll probably see a drop in birth rate and a drop in weddings."
"The following year is the year of the rabbit, which is not a bad thing if you're breeding," chuckles Mr Lee.
"But otherwise, the dragon is definitely one of the best years."
Public Lunar New Year celebration in Perth:
The street carnival will be held on James Street between William and Lake Streets in Northbridge from 12.00noon to 9.00pm on Sunday 29 January 2012. The event is open to the public to share Chinese culture close up. Stalls will line the street offering food, drinks, souvenir items, cultural information. Activities include lion and dragon dances, street performances, and cultural demonstrations.
