Lunar New Year in Chinese Methodist Congregations

Stella Townson is the Hong Kong Communities Support Officer and works within the Global Relationships Team. In this blog, she explores how the recent celebrations of Lunar New Year are maintained by Chinese Methodist churches in Britain and the cultural importance of keeping traditions alive.

Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival and by some as Chinese New Year, is the most significant celebration for Chinese communities worldwide. It marks the first new moon of the lunar cycle. The Chinese have used the lunisolar calendar, also known as the agricultural calendar, for thousands of years. The legend behind Lunar New Year involves a mythical beast called Nian, which would terrorize villages every New Year’s Eve. To fend off Nian, villagers used red decorations, loud noises, and firecrackers, as the beast was afraid of these elements.

Customs during Lunar New Year include the reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve, where families gather for a feast symbolizing unity and abundance. During the 15-day celebration period, people return home, visit relatives and friends, pay tribute to senior family members, and give blessings (with red envelopes filled with money) to junior members. It is a festival of family union and togetherness. The festival is also marked by lion dances, dragon dances, and cultural performances.

In the UK, Chinese Methodist churches celebrate Lunar New Year by blending traditional customs with Christian practices. For example, Bowthorpe Road Methodist Church in Norwich hosts special dinners and festive games. The Medway Chinese Methodist congregation runs a Lunar New Year stall to share Chinese calligraphy and festive decorations. King’s Cross Methodist Church holds a New Year united service with performances by groups and Sunday schools. In Newcastle and Middlesbrough Chinese congregations, celebrations take place in home groups. The Hong Kong Fellowship in the United Stockport Circuit had dim sum, film, LNY Fair and Cantonese song singing. These celebrations provide an opportunity for Chinese members to share their culture and traditions with others, fostering a sense of community and mutual understanding.

Joyce Tsang, member of the Medway Chinese Methodist Church, North Kent Circuit, commented, "Lunar New Year is a traditional festival in Chinese communities worldwide. At the Medway Chinese Methodist Church, we share food and say blessings. Although the atmosphere differs from Hong Kong, it’s heartening to see the UK public becoming more aware of Lunar New Year. My children still receiving red envelopes keeps the tradition alive. When I ran my takeaway, business significantly increased on New Year’s Day, and customers greeted me with “Happy New Year.” Lunar New Year is a time for union and customs, and it’s wonderful to celebrate and share these traditions with my church family!"

Mei Yuk Wong, Hong Kong Fellowship Coordinator, United Stockport Circuit, said, "Celebrating Lunar New Year brings Hong Kongers together, even for those who might not have seen its significance while in Hong Kong. In a new country, such celebrations evoke nostalgia and ease homesickness, especially for those with families still in Hong Kong. Our fellowship group travelled to Manchester, enjoying traditional food, dragon dancing, singing performances, and visiting over 100 street stalls. Hongkongers and the local community mixed, fostering a sense of belonging and community. We felt deep gratitude and joy, celebrating with new friends and neighbours, making this festive season truly special."

The celebration of Lunar New Year in Chinese Methodist churches is significant because it helps preserve cultural heritage while integrating it with their faith. It also serves as a way to welcome new members, including recent Hong Kong BNO (British National Overseas) migrants, and to create a supportive environment where everyone feels included. By celebrating Lunar New Year, these churches honor their cultural roots, strengthen community bonds, and promote cultural exchange.