Residents of Old Charlton House in Cowes, celebrated Chinese New Year earlier this week.
This year it is the year of the snake. The snake symbolises strength, sympathy and beauty.
Residents and staff dressed in red which is the Chinese lucky colour. The home was decorated with lots of red and gold, with plenty of Chinese style crafting that the residents had created leading up to the day. They made lovely sparkly Chinese lanterns, painted dragons and snakes, wrote their names in Chinese, and made finger painted cherry blossom trees. Finger painting is especially good as it breaks down the barriers to art, anyone can do it.
Those present shared the legend of the Chinese zodiac animals. There were 12 animals that the Jade Emperor wanted as guards, so they had a race and this decided the placings of the animals. The winner was the rat who hid on the Ox and just as the Ox was about to go over the finish line jumped off and won first place.
Residents then watched a fantastic Chinese Lion dance on YouTube which really fascinated the residents. Athalie said:
“I don’t know how they do that, they must be very strong”.
I bet they loved that!
Great idea, Chinese food is great.
Happy Lunar New Year