CNC officers celebrate Chinese New Year 2023
This Sunday, (22/1) sees in the Year of the Rabbit in the Chinese New Year. The Rabbit is the symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity in Chinese culture, thus 2023 is predicted to be a year of hope.
To mark Chinese New Year 2023, we spoke to two CNC officers about what the celebrations mean for them and their families.
Inspector Yan Blakeney
My parents moved to the UK from Hong Kong. My dad was three years old, and my mum came over for education at the age of 16. Both are one of six children as large families were desirable in Chinese culture, as this would ensure you were looked after by your children in old age. A large part of Chinese culture is respecting your elders, for example you shouldn’t start eating until the oldest person at the table starts.
My parents believed it was important for my brother and I to understand our Chinese culture and I was raised speaking Cantonese and English at home. Growing up we often visited family in Hong Kong to ensure we kept that connection with family.
Family was a big part of growing up and my fondest memories always involved large family gatherings at ‘yum cha’ a Cantonese tradition of brunch involving Chinese tea, Dim Sum, all my aunties and uncles speaking excessively loudly and everyone fighting to pay the bill!
Although my mum is no longer with us, this year I will be celebrating Chinese New Year by having New Year’s Eve dinner with my dad, husband, brother, sister-in-law and copious amounts of our favourite Chinese food! The Year of the Rabbit is also my Chinese zodiac sign.
It has been fun introducing aspects of Chinese culture to our British partners, my husband has never eaten so much Chinese food in his life and has embraced some traditions such as wearing a traditional Chinese suit at our wedding.
Inspector Nick Ong
My father moved from Malaysia and settled in the UK over 50 years ago as he was serving with the British Army. As far back as I can remember, we have always celebrated Chinese New Year and it has always been an important part of family life. For us, when preparing to celebrate, we focus on family getting together and food. There are always lengthy discussions about the food, followed by a little over-indulgence and a bit of friendly bickering about who gets the bill. We also share red envelopes and wishes for continued good health and prosperity.
On Chinese New Year, I always wake to many messages from family who are in Malaysia and ahead of us timewise. This massive outpouring of love always makes me smile. I am expecting a lot of rabbit GIFs this year!
My Dad is sadly no longer with us, but we continue uphold our traditions. It is important to my family to remember and celebrate our culture and heritage, and pass this knowledge, pride and joy on to future generations.
This is the most embarrassing picture of me and my father that my wife could find!
For anyone who is celebrating Chinese New Year this year –
Gung Hei Fat Choi!
恭喜發財!
Happy New Year!