恭喜发财, Gong xi fa cai! Wishing a happy Chinese New Year to all who celebrate. A season of prosperity and new beginnings. The night sky filled with bright pops of fireworks, the blasting sounds echoing throughout Manchester. Red lanterns adorn the front of shops and snake themed decorations displayed in each corner. The welcoming of the ‘Year of Snakes’.
On the 31st of January, MSSM held its annual CNY dinner to commemorate the special celebration. Held at much loved Red Chilli on Oxford Road, the occasion was elevated with delicious foods, great conversations and amazing prizes to win as always. The night began with the welcoming of the guests, the committee adorned in beautiful traditional clothing. Bright hues of red, gold and white. As attendees began to fill up the restaurant, the wishes and greetings accompanied by the widest smiles could be witnessed all around. Conversations sparked around as they took their seats, excited to eat and celebrate this special occasion.
We began the dinner with an age-old Malaysian tradition of throwing the yee-sang, each table was presented with a large plate of fresh salmon yee-sang. The whole restaurant threw it up high in the air in unison, repeating wishes that ushers in good future for the upcoming year. ‘Lou Hei!’ , the crowd shouts, as the mixtures of salads, seeds, fruits get tossed around the table. A joyous moment to witness. After the cleaning up of the delicious mess, waiters brought in an array of delicious chinese dishes for the attendees to enjoy. A combination of: steamed soy fish, salted egg prawn, crispy duck, sweet and sour chicken and tofu soup. It gets you hungry, eager to run to your closest Chinese restaurant just imagining it. It definitely stuffed the members who attended the dinner with warmth and food that replenishes the soul.
Concluding the meal we began the lucky draw segment. Each attendee at the start of the event was given a specific number, a chance at winning a prize! The numbers were called out, each person holding on tight to their tiny slips with their allocated number, hoping to win. Those who have been chosen stood a chance to win an ‘angpao’ packet with cash ranging from £5 to £20. Their luck was tested twice as after their numbers were called they would still need to spin a wheel to receive their prizes. Truly a hilarious sight to witness, but it further boosted the laughter and the noise in the room.
The night ended on an amazing note, we were delighted to be able to provide for our members the joy of celebrating Chinese New Year. For the first year students we hoped to have highlighted our goal to provide you a feeling of ‘home, away from home’, to give a sense of community and support.
We from MSSM would like to again wish you a Happy Chinese New Year! May 2025 be a year that brings you great blessings and we are excited for the future!
mssmanchester.co.uk 