With the old year at its completion, CQU Melbourne International Campus welcomed the Chinese New Year with elaborate and colourful celebrations.

The Chinese New Year is the longest and most important celebration in the Chinese calendar.

Bystanders, students and staff were captivated by the acrobatic and dexterous lion dance accompanied by a Buddha and percussion consisting of drum, gong and cymbal. This was performed by the Chinese Youth Society of Melbourne.

Various emotions and expressions are performed by the dancers, including caution, anger, happiness, sadness and playfulness. The movements of the dance are synchronised with the music played.

Traditionally, the lion is a sacred animal of power, courage and majesty which has the power to ward off evil spirits. The lion dance also represents the art, culture, traditions, and history of China and is believed to bring luck and happiness.

Candy trays, or ‘The Trays of Unity’, representing good fortune were offered to students and staff as well as ‘lucky money’ in red envelopes (or Li-Shi envelopes) symbolising luck and good fortune for the new year.

Information flyers on the Chinese New Year were distributed to students to promote cultural awareness.

According to legend, Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on the Chinese New Year. Twelve animals came and Buddha named a year after each one. This year, we are celebrating the year of the Pig which will bring good luck and prosperity. This year is also the golden year of the pig which occurs once in every 6 decades.

Photos: The Lion dance ... and accepting a lucky money gift from Campus Director Darryl Stewart.