2022 is the Year of the Tiger, the king of all beasts in Chinese culture. If it’s your year, be sure to wear something red throughout the whole year to ward off evil. In Chinese astrology, you are more prone to bad luck in your zodiac year because you offend the God of Age, so wearing a lucky colour will protect you from this. Start wearing red on February 1^st, the start of the Lunar new year. Though the celebrations in Chinatown on that day will be pared back and simpler than some previous years due to the pandemic, there are still many ways for you to celebrate it with friends or on your own.

In Chinatown, they will be performing lion dances along with video screens which will display pre-recorded performances on the night of the 31^st. There will also be a night market which will mark the beginning of the Lunar New Year celebration.

While the night market is limited to the 31^st, several restaurants have special dishes or set menus throughout the month of February. Bunhouse in Chinatown offers a themed afternoon tea celebrating the tiger to ring in the new year. If you want to go, bring a friend, as bookings require a minimum of two people. The afternoon tea is available from February 1^st-27^th and features the limited edition Tiger Bun. It’s not your traditional afternoon tea, but it’s a unique way to mark the new year (and I highly recommend the buns!).

BAO starts the celebrations early by giving out red envelopes starting January 28^th until February 13^th with every Classic Pork or Daikon bao. Instead of the traditional cash gift, these envelopes will contain prizes. Some of the prizes include winning a bao a day for the rest of the year or a free case of BAO beer. For something sweet, Yolkin has adorable tiger macarons and Sakurado is baking Chinese New Year cakes and tiger choux pastries.

Otherwise, if you’re celebrating in your own accommodation, be sure to pick up some groceries at the Loon Fung Supermarket or Oseyo. They’re sure to have LNY deals and special promotions all throughout this week, selling traditional cookies, decorations, and other food that is eaten for the celebration. If you’re wondering what to buy there, fish and pot stickers are two dishes that are often eaten at this time because they represent luck and wealth. A nice home-cooked meal shared between friends or independently is still a fun way to enjoy the Lunar New Year since any city-planned celebrations have been altered because of the pandemic. In whatever way you decide to welcome the Year of the Tiger, I wish you good luck and fortune, especially in your studies at LSE!