By Xavier Smerdon
AS the biggest day on their calender approaches, Wyndham’s Chinese community will celebrate their heritage as they ring in the new year.
Louisa Liu, a teacher at the Werribee Chinese School, said the Chinese New Year, which is celebrated on 3 February, was for many Chinese about remembering their culture.
“It causes me to recall my early childhood and especially when the children were getting new clothes, new shoes, new socks and the young generation performed rituals and expressed their wishes for the longevity of the older generation,” Ms Liu said.
Ms Liu – who has lived in Australia for 20 years – said the school will celebrate the year of the rabbit by participating in the ancient tradition of telling stories.
“We are going to be telling stories about how different families celebrate the ‘Spring Festival’, which this year will be on the first day back for our school,” she said.
“Our students are mainly second or third generation Chinese.
“Other students who do not have a Chinese background will gain knowledge from others.”
And while she is happy with her life in Australia, Ms Liu said she was also a proud Chinese member of the community.
“I am proud to be Chinese, because the Chinese go out of their way to be polite and accommodating,” she said.
“Chinese value loyalty and stress the importance of keeping one’s word.
“Many Chinese people are very tough and have endured hard lives. They also have a reputation for being quite practical and pragmatic.”
The Werribee Chinese School meets every Saturday from 1pm at the Point Cook Community Learning Centre.
For more information call Louisa on 8742 2208.
