It’s time to shake off the old and ring in the new year, quite literally! With fireworks lighting up the sky, dragon dances taking over the streets and family feasts that could put any buffet to shame, Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year or Spring Festival is all about celebrating fresh starts and good fortune. Well, what’s a fresh start without giving back to nature, right? Chinese communities are looking toward a bang on year with aluminium innovation in this festive gala.
(Source: PBS News)
But let’s be real, while we cherish the traditions, there’s no harm in sprinkling a little modern magic into the mix, right? Whether it’s how we decorate, the gifts we exchange or simply the food we devour, this festival is evolving with a keen agile towards sustainability in mind and we’re here for it too! Let’s emerge into understanding how this age-old celebration is making space for a fresh yet new twist with aluminium from packaging to gifting, winning hearts at every age.
(Source: People.com)
Unwrapping the festival & its tradition.
Chinese or Lunar New Year is an annual 15-day long festival celebrated within the Chinese and East-Asian communities. The date of the festival inaugurates with the new moon. As for 2025, the celebration would begin on January 29 and conclude with the next full moon on February 12. Some of the traditions follow deep cleaning of the home to sweep away bad luck. Special foods are enjoyed on specific days of the celebrations. The day of the festival is referred to as the Lantern Festival, where glowing lanterns light up temples and nighttime parades.
(Source: tripsavvy)
In this festival, the Chinese Zodiac sign plays a crucial role as it is a repeating cycle of 12 years, each representing an animal with its esteemed features. These animals in the Chinese Zodiac were selected through a race representing time measurement for its people. It further extends to understanding Chinese philosophy and culture as well as framing the calendar for the year. The year 2025 marks and is called the “Year of the Snake” taking over from the “Year of the Dragon” in 2024. Within Chinese culture, snakes symbolise both prosperity and peril. Simply put, it brings the Chinese community with good harvest, luck, spirituality and wisdom.
(Source: iStock)
Traditional Food of the Festival
The people in China have a strong belief that certain food consumed during this time had symbolic meaning, including bringing good luck, family togetherness, wealth and so on. Different foods are consumed on each day of the festival with the hope of acquiring what it symbolises. All these dishes are usually homemade and shared among the family and friends, showcasing love and dearness. Sharing food during the Chinese New Year symbolises prosperity and togetherness. Aluminium packaging helps keep festive treats fresh and secure while being eco-friendly and recyclable, making celebrations joyful and sustainable.
(Source: Eater Chicago)
Classic Decorations of the Festival
With the excitement in the air, people start with the decoration 10 days before the actual festival. The majority of the decorations are red because in Mandarin language it is called Hong sounding like ong, meaning luck. Decorations like the Chinese Red Lantern drive off the bad luck. The lanterns are usually seen hung on the trees, doors of houses and office buildings. Traditional Chinese lanterns are usually crafted with bamboo frames and paper or silk coverings.
(Source: Desertcart)
However, some decorative lanterns, especially for Chinese New Year, may feature lightweight aluminium frames for added durability and support. This allows for more intricate designs and stability, particularly in larger lanterns. Moreover, the lantern uses aluminium wiring because it is cheaper, sustainable and readily available. Other decorations may include, door couplets, paper cuttings, New Year paintings, upside-down Fu characters, kumquat trees, aluminium foil air balloons and blooming flowers.
(Source: Shopee Malaysia)
Cherished Gifts for the Festival
Giving thoughtful gifts during the Chinese New Year is a meaningful way of sharing blessings and prosperity. One of the most traditional gifts is the red envelope, or hongbao, filled with money, typically given to children and unmarried adults as a symbol of good luck. Another popular gift is flowers, especially those that bloom in early spring, symbolising renewal and fresh beginnings. High-quality tea sets also make a thoughtful present, representing respect and mindfulness in Chinese culture.
(Source: Adobe Stock)
In addition to these timeless gifts, more modern options like mobile phones, gadgets, or even electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining popularity, offering practicality and excitement. Interestingly, many of these gifts, whether a sleek mobile phone, a stylish gadget or even an EV, often utilise lightweight yet durable materials like aluminium, enhancing their performance and design. Aluminium’s role in these gifts is subtle but significant, contributing to their elegance, portability and longevity.
With the celebration mood in the air, AL Circle is gifting to the Chinese community a 20% off on all purchases including reports, e-Magazine and banner ad placements. Wishing you a happy Chinese New Year.
Conclusion: As we embrace the rich traditions of Chinese New Year, it’s clear that while the festival remains deeply rooted in culture, there’s room for a modern twist that reflects both sustainability and innovation. From eco-friendly aluminium packaging keeping festive treats fresh to the use of lightweight, durable aluminium in modern gifts like gadgets and electric vehicles, Chinese New Year celebrations are evolving.
Whether it’s through the symbolic foods we share, the vibrant decorations we hang, or the thoughtful gifts we give, Chinese New Year is a beautiful blend of past and present, creating lasting memories for families and communities. So, as we welcome the Year of the Snake, let’s celebrate both the old and the new with a touch of modern magic that keeps the spirit of tradition alive and thriving for generations to come.