Torrential rain failed to dampen spirits as a ceremonial lion, traditional dancers and a prominent musician celebrated the Chinese New Year at a shopping centre.
Wrexham MP Ian Lucas, the town mayor, Cllr David Bithell, and Professor Michael Scott, Vice Chancellor of Glyndwr University were among the guests at the cultural event held at Real China Restaurant in the Eagle Meadow Shopping Centre in Wrexham.
The restaurant teamed up with Wrexham-based Glyndwr University which has sizeable Chinese student population, to host an exciting celebration to welcome in the Year of the Horse.
The spectacular lion dance is a highly traditional and spectacular way of bringing in the new year with its roots deep in Chinese folk lore and culture.
As guests sheltered from the heavy rain under a gazebo, Jian Qiao, the manager of the Real China Restaurant, explained why the Chinese New year was so special.
Jian, who uses James as a British name, said: “The Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year, is celebrated from the first day of the first lunar month.
“The Spring Festival is regarded as the most important festival of the year in Chinese culture and is similar to Christmas in Christian countries.
“During the festival people hold family reunions and honour their ancestors. The festival comes to an end on the 15th day of the first lunar month with the Lantern Festival.
“Chinese people believe illuminated lanterns help guide lost spirits toward judgement and reincarnation.”
He added: “A big part of our Chinese New Year celebrations is the Lion Dance which is performed by two people in a costume, one as the head and one as the body.
“The dance is performed to music performed on a drum, a cymbal and a gong and we believe the dance brings luck. On the head of the lion is a mirror so evil spirits will be frightened away by their own reflection.
“We are also pleased that prominent Chinese musician, Anlin Xu, was able to join us and perform a number of tunes on a traditional Chinese wind instrument called a hulusi as well as a bamboo flute.”
Wrexham mayor, Cllr David Bithell told guests of his delight at being invited to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
He said: “The spirit of the horse is seen to be the Chinese people’s ethos, making unremitting efforts to improve themselves. It is energetic, bright, warm-hearted and intelligent.
“We have to thank the real China Restaurant and Glyndwr University for organising such a wonderful celebration here in Eagles Meadow.”
Wrexham MP Ian Lucas said: “Wrexham is now a town of many cultures and I’m delighted we can celebrate a second New Year this one at the end of January.
“We are able to celebrate the Chinese New Year here in Eagles Meadow largely thanks to Glyndwr University’s many links with China. I know we have a number of Chinese students studying here in Wrexham.
“It is now a small world and, seemingly, getting smaller. We must learn to live together in harmony and share experiences. Having a vibrant and strong Chinese community here in Wrexham can only be good for the town.”
Professor Michael Scott, the Vice Chancellor of Glyndwr University is delighted the university has forged such strong links with China.
He said: “It is really important to the university. We have a number of students who have chosen to study here in Wrexham. They bring a lot to the university and we see a great deal of inter-action between the different cultures of our students.
“It has to be good to share experiences and we see better results and a better understanding as a consequence of that close inter-action. “
He added: “I’m also delighted the real China Restaurant here at Eagles Meadow has put together such a wonderful cultural showcase as a means of celebrating this important occasion.
“I know everyone, including members of the public, have thoroughly enjoyed the event as we celebrate the Chinese New Year and the start of the year of the horse.”
Glyndwr University student, Zhen Jiang, who uses Hilary as a British name, sang Happy Chinese New Year to guests in her native language.
Hilary, 23, is studying a master’s degree in fine art at Glyndwr University and says she has really enjoyed her time in Wrexham.
She said: “I have been here for 18 months and have six months remaining before I return to China and my family.
“I do miss everyone in China but people in Wrexham and North Wales have been very friendly and I have enjoyed my time here. I will be happy to go home but very sad to leave too.”
Eagles Meadow manager Kevin Critchley was pleased to see so many people celebrating Chinese New Year in spite of the rain.
He said: “The Real China Restaurant has been a very welcome addition to the retail and food offer here at Eagles Meadow.
“It has been a very colourful and entertaining event and I think we have all now know a great deal more about the Chinese New Year.
“The Real China Restaurant means Eagles Meadow can offer a variety of food to shoppers and visitors from early in the morning to late at night.”
