Intercultural celebrations welcome lucky Lunar New Year

The 2023 Lunar New Year has been welcomed with a feast and festivities at Charles Darwin University (CDU), as Chinese and First Nations communities came together to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit.

CDU students, staff and families shared their culture in a range of traditional performances, food, music and activities.

CDU Associate Professor in Education Jon Mason said intercultural celebrations encourage the community to learn more about diverse perspectives and traditions.

“As far as we know, Chinese New Year has not been celebrated in Darwin like this before,” Dr Mason said.

“It is also fitting that it is happening at CDU where we have both a strong commitment to learning from and partnering with First Nations people as well as a diverse international student cohort.

“In celebrating culture, there is opportunity to recognise our common humanity.”

The lunisolar holiday, also known as the Chinese New Year and Spring Festival, is not only the most important cultural festival in China, but celebrated in many countries across East Asia such as Singapore, Korea, and Vietnam.

Beginning on January 22, the Year of the Rabbit symbolises patience, peace and longevity in Chinese culture, and people born in this year of the zodiac are believed to be witty, vigilant and responsible.

Celebrations include decorating, gifting red envelopes, lighting fireworks and dragon dances.

CDU Deputy Vice-Chancellor First Nations Leadership Professor Reuben Bolt said cultural exchange on campus supports staff, students, and the Darwin community to continue traditions, but also to be immersed in new cultural activities they may not have had a chance to experience before.

“Lunar New Year clearly has a long history and tradition, and deep symbolic meaning for Chinese, South-eastern and East Asian cultures,” Professor Bolt said.

“To be given the chance to share in this celebration allows us to experience other culture, food, music and dance, yet at the same time it’s a unique opportunity to showcase our traditions and customs that have continued over the course of many thousands of years.”

This event was supported with funding from the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations.