January 29, 2025Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is one of the most significant cultural celebrations in many East and Southeast Asian communities. Embedded in centuries-old traditions, the holiday marks the beginning of a new year based on the lunar calendar, which follows the cycles of the moon rather than the solar calendar used in most Western countries. Lunar New Year typically falls between late January and mid-February, with celebrations lasting up to 15 days.
The holiday is a time for renewal, reflection, and reconnection – a fresh start to honour ancestors, cherish loved ones, and express hopes for health, prosperity, and happiness. Homes are cleaned to sweep away bad luck, while red lanterns and paper cut-outs symbolising good fortune adorn walls and doors.
“Lunar New Year is a time for families to come together and reflect on the year past. Wishing everyone a prosperous and healthy Year of the Snake! Gong Xi Fa Cai!”, said Prahlad Ho, Chief Medical Officer, Northern Health.
Terry Kok, Director of Imaging Services, shared, “The Lunar New Year celebration marks the start of a new year in the lunisolar calendar and is a very busy time, associated with many customs and traditions. For me, it’s about spending quality time with my family, both near and far, enjoying our reunion dinner and wishing each other lots of luck and prosperity for the year ahead!”
Thi Nguyen, Director of Operations, Medicine and Cancer Services, said, “I would say Lunar New Year is a deeply meaningful cultural celebration and experience that connects people to their roots, their families and their hopes for the future. I would like to wish all our staff at Northern Health celebrating a New Year filled with happiness, prosperity, good health and precious moments with your loved ones.”
In 2025, the Lunar New Year begins on 29 January and ushers in the Year of the Snake. In Chinese culture, the snake is a symbol of wisdom, intuition, and transformation. People born in the Year of the Snake are often thought to be resourceful, determined, and insightful. This year’s celebration will focus on embracing the traits of the snake to navigate challenges and embrace opportunities for growth.
“Known for wisdom, creativity, and charm, the snake also teaches us the power of resilience in life’s challenges. Like the snake’s ability to adapt and overcome, may we find strength in adversity, intelligence in our decisions, and intuition to guide our paths. Let this year be a celebration of growth, courage, and the joy of overcoming together. Happy Lunar New Year!” said Luyuan Chen, Mandarin Interpreter and Translator, Transcultural and Language Services (TALS), Northern Health.
Lunar New Year is celebrated with a variety of joyful traditions. Families come together to enjoy festive meals featuring symbolic foods like dumplings, fish, and rice cakes. Red envelopes, or “hongbao,” filled with money are exchanged as a gesture of good luck. Fireworks and lion dances bring excitement to the festivities, while traditional rituals honour ancestors and deities. Across the globe, communities celebrate this occasion with parades, cultural performances, and public gatherings, showcasing the rich diversity of this cherished holiday.
At Northern Health, a display has been set up in the front foyer of the Northern Hospital with the contribution of Chinese artist Mr Jihua Wu. Born in Shanghai, China, in November 1933, Mr Wu was a senior engineer in China before his retirement.
He came to Australia in 1998 and joined the North Eastern Melbourne Chinese Association (NEMCA). He is currently the Vice President of NEMCA and the Secretary-General of the Australia-China Calligraphy and Painting Art Research Centre. He has been voluntarily engaged in the study, research, and teaching of Chinese calligraphy for 28 years.
In April 2002, his work won a silver medal at the 6th International Calligraphy and Painting Aesthetic Competition.
Mr Jihua was introduced to Northern Health via his daughter Holly Qianhui Wu, who has been a Consumer Advisor for Northern Health since 2023.
Holly shared, “I believe that our public health system is the backbone of people’s welfare, and it can benefit from partnering with consumers. My primary involvement is as a member of the Sub-Acute Division Quality & Risk Management Committee. Through the monthly committee meetings, I gain valuable insights into the operations of this division. My ultimate goal of sitting on this committee is to help eliminate the risks and incidents affecting public health consumers through prevention, as well as to improve overall management. By the way, I was born in the year of the snake.”
Pictured in featured image (L-R): Ms Holly Qianhui Wu, Yue Hu, Director, TALS and NWG ASU, Mr Jihua Wu, David Le, TALS Manager, and Stefania Zen, Education and Engagement Manager, TALS and NWG ASU.
