Chinese New Year celebrations at MHA Handsworth with handmade lanterns and trip to China

MHA Handsworth is eagerly awaiting the start of the Chinese New Year by preparing lanterns and travelling to China all from the comfort of their armchairs.

The Altrincham home decided to mark the occasion and arranged for residents to travel to China.

Chinese New Year is a festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar.

This year the date for the Chinese New Year falls on Saturday February 10.

Boarding passes were printed and prepared along with lanterns decorated around the home.

Residents learnt about the Chinese New Year, how it is celebrated and then also tucked into some Chinese cuisine.

Charlotte Fowke, activity coordinator said: “The residents loved preparing for the Chinese New Year and were all very excited.

“We had a session learning about the Chinese New Year, and they were very engaged.

We enjoyed travelling around China and watching a Dragon Dance using our tiny tablet. 

“The staff prepared sweet and sour pork which was enjoyed by all.

“One of our members of staff offered an insight into what different activities are done to celebrate Chinese New Year. 

“They leave out 12 round fruits, mostly grapes and oranges which represent the 12 months of the year, they also take a glass filled with water or rice and put coins and incense sticks into this. 

“A Dragon Dance is performed and in this they use drums to create loud noises as they believe these wards off evil spirits and assists with the new year entering. 

“Chinese New Year celebrations are carried out over a number of days as they believe that the good spirits and new year approaches slowly”