Learners at Sutton College have put together a display in our reception to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
Officially beginning on Tuesday 17 February, 2026 is the year of the Horse – a symbol of freedom, energy and ambition, all qualities we love to champion at the College.
As well as organising a display filled with symbols and figures associated with the New Year, learners from our ESOL class took part in a writing project explaing what the festival means to them and how they celebrate it. Below are some extracts from our Hong Kong learners:
“Lunar New Year is the biggest festival of the year for my family, and we always follow a lot of traditions that make the celebration feel warm and meaningful. Our preparations start on the 28th day of the last lunar month. On that day, we do a big New Year clean-up. We clean every corner of the house to sweep away bad luck and get ready for a fresh start. After cleaning, we put up red spring couplets around the home to bring good fortune and positive energy for the coming year.
New Year’s Eve is the most important night. My siblings, their spouses and their kids all return home to join my parents for the reunion dinner. The house becomes incredibly lively and full of joy. The table is full of dishes like chicken, roast pork, roast goose, prawns, fish and vegetables.”
“On the first day of the New Year, my son and I exchange auspicious greetings, and I give him two red packets — his favourite part, of course. Traditionally, giving red packets in pairs is believed to bring good luck and positive blessings. Then we video call our family in Hong Kong to send New Year wishes. Even though we can’t meet in person, it still feels warm to stay connected.
Although celebrating Lunar New Year in the UK is simpler, I believe the most important thing is keeping the traditions and spending time with family. That’s what makes the festival truly meaningful.”
We would like to thank all learners who took part in this project and wish everyone a very Happy Lunar New Year!
