General News
7 February, 2022
Chinese New Year takes life in Horsham
Horsham residents explain how they commemorate Chinese New Year and why it remains an important tradition.
HORSHAM’s community members have come together to celebrate the Year of the Tiger for 2022’s Chinese New Year.
Every year from February 1 to February 15, Chinese New Year sees millions of people around the world rejoicing and welcoming a new, prosperous year with food, dance, and age-old Chinese customs.
Toy’s Garden Restaurant owner Leon Toy said that after living in the Horsham area for 60 years, Chinese New Year is a tradition still very much celebrated in his family.
“We had the official opening of the Chinese New Year in the restaurant on Saturday with my family,” he said.
“On the first day of Chinese New Year we always have a vegetarian meal for breakfast. Once that is done, the celebration will go forward with banquets for the next 10 days.
“It’s similar to having Christmas dinner or lunch in Australia.
“We’ve never dropped our tradition, we keep it up every year. Basically, every new year is a new beginning and, hopefully, the best one for families. That has always been the Chinese New Year carry on.”
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Mr Toy said he’s remained in touch with his Chinese roots with visits to China every five to six years; his most recent including a trip back to his village where he was born.
Horsham Uniting Early Learning Centre childcare worker Wen Zhang said she shares a similar upbringing, having grown up in a village in Jiangsu province, northwest of Shanghai, China.
After making the move to Horsham with her husband 10 years ago, Ms Zhang said she felt more significance in celebrating Chinese New Year in Australia.
“Chinese New Year’s Eve is very important for families getting together. They will prepare special dishes. We will put up a red banner on the house door with Chinese writing (Hui Chun) to help bring good luck and to keep the bad luck out,” she said.
“You never forget your childhood memories, like growing up around Chinese New Years. You recall things like your hometown and your parents.
“I feel more importance celebrating the tradition, now, in Australia, than when I was in China.”
Through her cultural background Ms Zhang said she undertakes a proactive role in Kerri Baker Kindergarten’s Chinese New Year program which runs annually.
“Knowing the Chinese tradition and language, I’m encouraged to be involved in a Chinese New Year program run in the kindergarten where I work,” she said.
“The children are encouraged to learn simple Chinese words and sing songs. Myself and other daycare workers will cook and prepare some Chinese food for them, and I will read them Chinese New Year stories.
“Many of the children are interested and fascinated.”
Horsham Rural City Council mayor Robyn Gulline said celebrating national and international days such as Chinese New Year play an important part in helping us reflect on multiculturalism in Australia.
“The history of the Chinese in Horsham extends back to the 1890s,” she said.
“Originally market gardeners and greengrocers, the Chinese heritage and culture has and continues to play an integral part in our community.
“Celebrating the different and significant national days of our resident’s heritage is important as we reflect on the diverse history that makes up multicultural Australia.
“As a municipality, we welcome new residents and the diversity that they bring, as they fill the many job vacancies and open new businesses that help our community thrive.”
