Chinese New Year is a movable holiday, always falling between January 21 and February 20. This time we celebrated it on January 22. This is the most important date in the calendar of the Middle Kingdom, so we decided to celebrate it with our employees.
Each year in the Chinese calendar is assigned to a different zodiac sign. They are, in order, Rat (shu), Ox (niu), Tiger (hu), Rabbit (tu), Dragon (long), Snake (she), Horse (ma), Sheep (yang), Monkey (hou), Rooster (ji), Dog (gou) and Pig (zhu). On January 22, we entered the Year of the Rabbit (tu nian).
In China, this celebration is celebrated very lavishly. On New Year's Eve, families sit down to dinner together, eating dishes typical of the day - such as the famous jiaozi dumplings, sticky rice cake and fish. According to tradition, relatives are presented with red envelopes, meant to symbolize luck and wealth. Everyone spends the evening at home - something that strongly distinguishes the model of celebration we know from Europe.
As you may have guessed, New Year customs were shared among GTHR employees. In addition to a presentation about them and distinctive snacks, everyone had the opportunity to try calligraphy, cut-outs, read about their zodiac sign, look at a game of Chinese chess, checkers or mahjong. At GTHR, in this way, we bring the culture of the Middle Kingdom closer, create an open working environment and space for every employee to grow.
Once again, we wish you a happy Chinese New Year!
