Shamrock Chinese School Lunar New Year Celebrations

Shamrock Chinese school hosted its annual Chinese New Year Party which was enjoyed by all who attended despite the rainy weather in Dublin.

The celebrations form part of the Spring Festival announcing the end of the coldest days in winter and looking ahead to a fresh start in the new year. Those who celebrate ensure that their houses are spic and span before the new year arrives and no cleaning is permitted on new year's day.

The color red is a celebratory color and is used for both clothing items and decor. According to the Chinese Zodiac, this year is considered the year of the pig.

The event hosted by Shamrock Chinese School featured games and crafts as well as traditional dancing. The atmosphere was festive and welcoming and children had an opportunity to recite poems, play instruments, do calligraphy, take photographs and even play tug-o-war.

The raffle tickets stand also proved to be very popular and children grinned with delight as they got to select their prizes.

School Principal, Ms. Zheng Rong, was thrilled with the turnout as she was not sure what impact the inclement weather would have on the festivities. Her wish to all was for the new year to bring good health, wealth, love and much happiness.

Artwork produced by the students with the expert guidance of their art teacher Michelle Meng was also on display. Captivating traditional Chinese dances were performed by Elisa Zhang and Alice Zheng in beautiful and colorful costumes.

The Shamrock Chinese School runs every Saturday from 9am to 1pm . It leases classrooms at Fallon Middle School in Dublin.

Anyone interested in learning Chinese or volunteering at the school is welcome to contact them by email to shamrockchineseschool@gmail.com