Lunar New Year Celebrations

Members of the University community, across disciplines and nationalities, have come together to celebrate Lunar New Year. The School of Modern Languages and the student Chinese Studies Society have jointly set up a Lunar New Year decoration in the foyer of the Buchanan Building. 

The decoration will be on display from 13 to 20 February 2026. During this period, everyone is welcome to take photos and share their Lunar New Year celebrations online.

This marks the first time the School of Modern Languages celebrating Lunar New Year. The festival is not limited to one country; it is also traditionally celebrated in Taiwan, Vietnam, and Korea, each with its own long historical roots. Beyond Asia, Lunar New Year is widely observed in countries with large East Asian diasporas, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.

In line with the School of Modern Languages’ commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, students and staff from all backgrounds are warmly welcomed, and their languages and cultures are celebrated. This year, around 15 students and staff members contributed to the decoration. After the setup, participants received a fortune note with best wishes for the Year of the Horse.

The date of Lunar New Year changes each year because it follows a lunisolar calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar. Lunar New Year falls on 17 February this year. This calendar system is historically linked to agricultural cycles and seasonal change, symbolising renewal and the arrival of spring.

Lunar New Year is a time for family, renewal, and good fortune. During this festival, people reflect on the past year and welcome a new beginning through shared traditions and cultural practices. By celebrating Lunar New Year together, the School of Modern Languages highlights the importance of cultural understanding and mutual respect, and marks the occasion as a meaningful celebration within the School of Modern Languages.

Many thanks to Yawen Lai, Language Assistant in the School's Department of Chinese, for organising the display.