No travel rush for Chinese New Year but ‘dumplings’ remain a must

By Kurt Campbell

kurt@newsroom.gy

Chinese all across the world will be observing their New Year on February 01, including the estimated 2,000 resident Chinese in Guyana.

But this year, the Chinese Embassy in Georgetown is reporting that there is no travel rush to return home for the Spring Festival, one of the most important traditional festivals for Chinese both at home and abroad.

The COVID-19 pandemic has reduced the magnitude of celebrations but certainly not its meaning.

Chinese will still find small ways to celebrate with Ambassador Guo Haiyan assuring that the making, sharing, and feasting on dumplings remain a must-do.

“It is a time for family reunion; usually people try hard to go home but there is no travel rush during this time,” Ambassador Guo told the News Room during a recent interview.

Chinese New Year marks the transition between zodiac signs; 2022 is the year of the Tiger, symbolising strength and courage. It is a system that has existed in Chinese culture for more than 2,000 years.

The first group of Chinese settled in Guyana nearly 170 years ago and over the years, the minority group of citizens and visitors celebrate their New Year with traditional customs, including mascot shows.

This year, that show was broadcast live on the National Communications Network to prevent in-person gatherings.

But although large gatherings are prevented, the Chinese are still engaged in the cleaning of their houses to get rid of bad fortune and the decorating of their premises in red because the belief is that red brings good fortune.

“People will paste spring festival couplets on their front doors offering good wishes for the New Year.

“On the eve of the New Year, they would sit together as a family to have fancy dinner… dumpling is a must,” Ambassador Guo explained.

The Chinese diplomat used the opportunity to wish all Chinese in Guyana and China and their Guyanese friends an auspicious and energetic Chinese New Year.