Chinese New Year Celebration Harapan Bangsa Preschool-Primary School, Modernhill

Chinese New Year is the most significant celebration for the Chinese community. The celebration begins on the first day of the first month (Hanzi: 正月; pinyin: zhēng yuè) in the Chinese calendar and ends with Cap Go Meh (十五暝 元宵節) on the 15th day (on the full moon). The New Year's Eve is known as Chúxī (除夕), which means “the night of the year-end transition.”

According to an ancient legend, Nián (年) was a man-eating monster from the mountains who appeared at the end of winter to devour crops, livestock, and even villagers. To protect themselves, the villagers would place food in front of their doors at the start of the new year. The Chinese people of that time believed that if Nián consumed the food prepared at their doors, it would not attack or steal their livestock or harvest.

At one point, the villagers saw Nián running in fear after encountering a small child wearing red clothes. Since then, Nián never returned to their village. Nián was eventually captured by Hongjun Laozu (鸿钧老祖), the Taoist deity from the Fengsheng Yanyi legend, and became Hongjun Laozu’s mount. The villagers then believed that Nián feared red color, so each time the new year approached, they would hang red lanterns and paper scrolls above their windows and doors. They would also use fireworks to frighten Nián. This tradition of driving away Nián eventually evolved into the celebration of the new year. Guò nián (Hanzi traditional: 過年; Hanzi: 过年), which means “welcoming the new year,” is literally translated as “the day of driving away Nián.”

The turn of the year in the Chinese calendar also marks the transition from the Year of the Wood Dragon to the Year of the Wood Snake, in which the snake is known for being a creature of intelligence and mystery. The year 2025 is a time for strategic thinking, reassessing priorities, and making sound decisions. The Year of the Wood Snake also emphasizes protection and security, both in personal and professional realms.

In 2025, the Chinese New Year 2576 celebration at Harapan Bangsa Primary School Modernhill took place on Monday, February 3, 2025, in the SHB 5 building hall. This event was attended by the preschool and primary students of Harapan Bangsa Modernhill. The principal, teachers, and students wore red clothing and enjoyed performances by the students who took to the stage, complete with engaging props and accessories. All students participated in singing, which made the atmosphere even more festive. At the end of the event, as in previous years, the junior and senior high school students of Harapan Bangsa Modernhill presented a Lion Dance performance. During the Lion Dance performance, all the attendees, especially the preschool and primary students, were very enthusiastic in watching and enjoying the show by the Junior and Senior High School Lion Dance team. They flocked to approach the lion dancers to give the Angpao (red envelopes) they had prepared from home. Afterward, all the students returned to their respective classrooms to receive the goodie bags prepared by the school. They then left happily with noodles, rice cakes, oranges, and souvenirs in the form of toys (Lion Dance) that they could play with at home.

Happy Chinese New Year 2576! May the Year of the Wood Snake bring prosperity, happiness, and blessings to all of us, as well as to everyone around the world.