Chinese new year of the Rat celebration report

Chinese New year of the Rat in Perth Western Australia was heavily affected by Covid-19. At that time it was not confirmed any case of Covid-19 in Perth, but many people from fear of the virus decided to stay at home rather than celebrate Chinese New year of the Rat.

It was visible at all public events that attendance was much lower than last year. In Northbridge at the Chung Wah Chinese New Year fair many performers who visited China only a few weeks before did not attend the celebration and the attendance was lower than previous years.
Chung Wah has made some necessary changes to its program of events due to some performers who have travelled to China in recent weeks voluntarily opting out of the event as a precautionary measure.

People perusing Northbridge’s boutiques and eateries will be met with the sight of more than 300 beautiful red lanterns strung along James and William Streets.

The decorations will see Northbridge Piazza, James Street and Perth Cultural Centre transformed ready for the Chinese New Year of the Rat Fair on 2nd of February 2020.

Chinese New Year of the Rat Fair took place from 12 pm to 9 pm, featuring a variety of dazzling cultural performances and entertainment including Lion and Dragon dancing, a parade, multicultural concert, games, rides and stalls for the whole family to enjoy. A multicultural concert was staged at 6.30 pm at the Northbridge Piazza, presenting vibrant and colourful performances by various groups from around Perth.

It was visible at all public events that attendance was much lower than last year.

Gloucester park Chinese new year celebration had 1/3 of attendance compared to the previous year, fewer stalls, less attraction and much fewer spectators.

Lantern Festival week after attracted just a few hundred people.

Celebration at restaurants has not been affected at all.

To everyone celebrating and welcoming the Chinese Year of the Rat – Gong xi fa cai.

Best Performance creativity and Rat masks and costumes – Chow Kwoon Yarn Yee Tong Kung Fu Academy

Happy Chinese New Year of the Rat 2020 Celebration playlist

On 2 Feb 2020 Premier of Western Australia Mark McGowan, made the following remarks to local Chinese media at the Official Opening Ceremony for Perth Chinese New Year Fair 2020.

For China and Chinese people, it is now a very difficult period of time. Please allow me to bring my sympathies to all Chinese people. I hope that the virus can be contained asap and I hope that WA-China cooperation in tourism, culture as well as economy and trade can recover soon.

Premier McGowan also sent letters to Chinese Ambassador H.E. Mr Cheng Jingye and Consul General Madam Dong Zhihua in Perth to express his support to China and the Chinese People.

No Covid-19 and Health restrictions have been imposed by the Western Australian government during the Chinese New Year of the rat 2020.

Chinese New Year of the Rat about

2020 was a year of the Rat. Starting from January 25th, 2020 and lasting until 11th February 2021. It will be a Metal Rat year. In 2021, a year of the Ox will follow.

The Year of the Rat is the first zodiac sign in the Chinese zodiac cycle. According to the Chinese zodiac story, in the competition held by the Jade Emperor to decide the zodiac animals, the quick-witted rat asked the diligent ox to take him on a ride to cross the river and jumped down before the ox crossed the finish line, so the rat won the race and became the first of the zodiac animals.

Recent Rat years are 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, and 2020.

The Rat is the first of all zodiac animals. According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived at his party. The Rat tricked the Ox into giving him a ride. Then, just as they arrived at the finish line, Rat jumped down and landed ahead of Ox, becoming first.

The Rat is also associated with the Earthly Branch (地支 / dì zhī) Zi (子) and the midnight hours. In the terms of yin and yang (阴阳 / yīn yáng), the Rat is yang and represents the beginning of a new day.

Rats are clever, quick thinkers; successful, but content with living a quiet and peaceful life.
In Chinese culture, rats were seen as a sign of wealth and surplus. Because of their reproduction rate, married couples also prayed to them for children.

Paired with the Celestial Stems (天干 / Tiān gān), there is a 60-year calendrical cycle. Although zi is associated with water, the years also cycle through the five elements of nature (五行 / wǔ xíng).

The Chinese zodiac is associated with traditional Chinese chronology a 60-year calendrical cycle, which is the combination of the 12 Earthly Branches 12 terms corresponding to 12 animals, months, and hours and the 10 Heavenly Stems.

According to this, the Rat represents the Earthly Branch Zi and the midnight hours (11 pm–1 am). Moreover, in terms of the Chinese Yin and Yang theory, a Rat is Yang.

Therefore, if you were born in January or February in one of the above years, you might be a Rat, or possibly a Pig.

Good Health for Rats sadly not in 2020 due to covid-19

General speaking, Rats are healthy. They are full of energy and active, which helps them keep fit and avoid illness.

A balanced diet and regular exercise benefit Rats. With enough rest, Rats can keep high spirits at work, which can improve work efficiency. When in stressful and tense conditions, Rats are suggested to take a tour to free stress and tension.

Men born in the Rat year are clever and adapt quickly to new environments. They are creative great at taking advantage of opportunities. However, they sometimes lack the courage to do so. Although they have great ideas, they might not be suitable for leadership positions.

Women born in the Rat year are the traditional women. They love keeping things organized and place great value on the family. Everything is taken care of by them and there is no need for their husband to worry. Outside of the home, they’re also someone with a sense of responsibility and ability.

Personality and Characteristics of people born in the year of the Rat

Optimistic and energetic, people born in the Rat year are likable by all. They are sensitive to other’s emotions but are stubborn with your opinion. Their personality is kind, but due to weak communication skills, their words may seem impolite and rude.

On the financial side, they like saving and can be stingy. However, their love for hoarding will sometimes cause them to waste money on unnecessary things.

Health and Lifestyle
Since childhood, Rats have frail health. They have energetic personalities but tire quickly. They catch colds often, but thankfully do not have serious illnesses.

They are sensitive to change in temperature. Not only is cold weather unbearable for them, but they also can’t stand hot weather. But despite seeming weak and not being able to perform hard physical work, they enjoy longevity.

Rats can eat anything, whether they are delicacies or plain food. However, they should pay attention to their diet. Many times, they will get too into work and forget to eat. Going long periods without food and suddenly bingeing cause problems in their digestive system. Enemies of their health also include smoking and drinking habits.

For a healthy life, Rats must remember to eat breakfast, do moderate exercise and remain cheerful.

Chinese new year of the Rat celebration Fireworks Firecrackers

Firecrackers and fireworks are set off at the stroke of midnight to scare away evil spirits and celebrate the coming of the new year. People set off firecrackers and fireworks to ward off misfortune and bring good luck. The Lantern Festival It marks the end of the celebration of the Chinese New Year.

Chinese New Year Celebration

Popular themes among these paper-cuts and couplets include that of good fortune or happiness, wealth, and longevity. Other activities include lighting firecrackers and giving money in red paper envelopes. For the northern regions of China, dumplings are featured prominently in meals celebrating the festival. It often serves as the first meal of the year either at midnight or as breakfast on the first day.

Chinese new year of the Rat celebration