The thundering beat of drums, the flash of a leaping dragon, and the sea of students amidst red lanterns signalled the spirited return of the Lunar New Year to the UCC community. On February 5, the Student Centre was transformed into a Temple Fair, buzzing with excitement to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Horse. Hosted and organized by the UCC Chinese Parents’ Community, the event showcased a vibrant array of festivities–from homemade culinary dishes to traditional Chinese games to the iconic dragon dance–capturing the very essence of the Horse itself: vivacious, bold, and full of forward momentum.
This year carries particular significance as it commemorates the Year of the Fire Horse–a rare phenomenon occurring once every 60 years in the zodiac cycle. While the horse represents independence and indomitable spirit, this special “Crimson Horse” year suggests 2026 will be defined by rapid, transformative change and breakthroughs. A famous Chinese idiom associated with this season is “Mǎ dào chéng gōng” (马到成功), which translates to “success upon the arrival of the horse.” It reflects the belief that, in this auspicious year, success will arrive gracefully and efficiently.
Throughout the fair, various stations invited students to engage in cultural discovery. Beyond the longevity noodles, spring rolls, dumplings, and other traditional cuisine offered to staff and students, the cultural celebration also extended to crafting handmade lanterns, playing Tàoquān(Ring Toss), and writing lucky idioms on red paper scrolls. The festival’s crescendo was none other than the cultural Dragon Dance. Performing to the rhythmic beat of the drum, the dragon’s sweeping movements and blossoming colors spread its good fortune and electric energy across the campus.
Special thanks goes to the Chinese Parent Volunteers and their dedication for preparing the food, decorations, and activities, fostering a deeper sense of community and inclusivity. For many students, the fair offered a nostalgic connection to home; for others, it was a chance to embrace a rich cultural heritage and strengthen the bonds of our global student environment.
Even with the lanterns taken down, the spirit of the Fire Horse continues to resonate within the college. Having already officially transitioned to the Horse Year on the 17th, we wish the UCC community a year of Mǎ dào chéng gōng–success in every stride and triumph in the challenges that lie ahead.
Until the next anecdote drops,
Jeffrey
The Blue and White 
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