Chinese New Year at Canford

Chinese New Year is a festival celebrated by around 2 billion people across the world and was celebrated at Canford as part of our international cultural programme with several themed events to mark the start of the Year of the Snake.

Pupils and staff were treated to a Chinese feast at lunchtime prepared by our fantastic catering team and were encouraged to try a little of all the wide range of culinary delights on offer. The special themed lunch incorporated most elements you would see on a Chinese dinner table, to reflect hopes and well-wishes for the coming year.

Below is an explanation around the Chinese themed menu pupils and staff enjoyed. This was put together by our talented Head Chef, Dominique Duc. Massive thanks to him and the catering team for all their hard work which was truly appreciated by both pupils and staff alike.

Fish represents prosperity and abundance for the coming year.
Chicken traditionally served whole, represents the reunion of the family for the festive period as well as good luck.
Dumplings are made to look like gold ingots, symbolising wealth.
Spring rolls symbolise wealth in parts of China, as they are made to resemble gold bars.
Noodles are eaten to symbolise longevity, the longer the noodles, the longer and happier your life will be.
Oranges (usually tangerines) are said to bring good fortune and are typically given as gifts to family and friends.
Cake and sweet puddings are also eaten more at this time to ensure a ‘sweet’ and easy year.

The Chinese New Year dinner is also referred to as the ‘Reunion Dinner’ or nian ye fan in Chinese, is one of the most important events in this festive period. It is a chance for family to gather, to celebrate the year just gone, and to welcome in the year ahead. The menu differs from region to region, but ultimately reflects families’ hopes for the coming year, and people pride themselves on putting their best dishes on the table, to start the New Year in the best possible way.

Celebrations continued into the evening with our annual Chinese New Year event, including a range of cultural stalls and displays, Chinese calligraphy, New Year card painting, Chinese chess, Mahjong, a full Chinese tea service and refreshments set to traditional music with Lion Dances!

Richard Wilson, International Pupil Coordinator at Canford, describing the evening event;

"The event started off with a series of ‘Lion Dances’ accompanied by traditional Chinese percussion in the Dining Hall. The pupils then packed into the Long Gallery for over an hour to enjoy all the cultural activities. It was wonderful to see the pupils all learning from each other and having such a good time together. I extend my gratitude and special thanks to my colleague Tzu-Ling Shao for her exceptional cultural expertise and input – without her this event would not be possible. Thank you also as always to the international team and other pupils who contributed to making this event such a success."

We would like to thank Richard, Tzu-Ling, Teacher of Chinese Language and Culture, and Julie, our International Pupil Leader, for their valuable input and for making the celebrations such a success.

We hope the Year of the Snake brings you all happiness and joy.