Residents at Bernard Sunley, our Woking-based residential, nursing and dementia care home and our Woking Day Care, which supports people who are living with dementia and a range of age-related conditions, had a ‘Jí hǎo de’ fantastic time celebrating this year’s Chinese, or Lunar, New Year, together and with members of the local Chinese community.
“We wanted to give the residents and clients a time-honoured Chinese New Year celebration which incorporated all the traditions and customs of this special occasion,” said Andy Cumper, the Registered Manager at Bernard Sunley. Taking place at Woking Day Care, the ‘Qìngzhù huódòng’ – celebrations – began with a beautiful performance of the customary Chinese tradition of The Lion Dance. “Members of the Woking Chinese School came along and not only entertained everyone, but mesmerised us with the intricate and choreographed performance,” said Monika Ahmed, one of the Activity Coordinators at Bernard Sunley.
“The first record of The Lion Dance being performed dates back to the early Ch’in and Han Dynasties which were in the Third Century B.C. and is a Chinese tradition which is believed to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits,” added Shirley Bradley, the Head of Day Care Services. “It was an amazing sight to see, with the acrobatic moves and rousing music, it was spectacular. The dancers not only had to execute all the martial arts-type steps – which mimic a lion’s movements – but also keep lifting and turning the lion, they must have really physical strength and stamina.”
The residents and clients were seated at Chinese-themed tables and once The Lion Dance had come to a rousing end, they all opened their handmade Red Envelopes which had been made by the Woking Day Care clients. “During one of our daily activity sessions, the clients made the Chinese New Year envelopes,” continued Fran Simpson, Woking Day Care’s Manager. “Whilst the clients got creative, I told them about the history behind the envelopes and shared some fun facts, which they found really interesting.
“The red envelopes symbolise good luck and ward off evil spirits and are a traditional gift for older people and children during the Chinese New Year and it’s said that those receiving a red envelope are wished another safe and peaceful year.” “It’s a great legend which says that there was a demon named Sui that came out to terrify children whilst they were asleep and to keep them safe from being harmed by Sui, their parents would light candles and stay up for the whole night of Chinese New Year’s Eve,” added Monika.
“One Chinese New Year’s Eve, a child was given eight coins to play with to help him to keep awake. The child wrapped the coins in red paper, opened the packet, rewrapped it, and reopened it until he was too tired to continue. When he fell asleep, his parents placed the packet with eight coins under his pillow and when Sui tried to touch his head, the eight coins emitted a strong light and scared the demon away and the eight coins turned out to be eight fairies.”
The residents and clients then enjoyed a selection of tasty, Chinese foods including Spring Rolls which are a key element of the Chinese New Year as they are symbols of prosperity as they resemble bars of gold. “In the morning, to start the celebrations, the clients also took part in an armchair virtual visit to China,” added Fran. “The oriental journey took them to the country’s capital, Beijing, then to Shanghai, Shenzhen and, of course, to see the world-famous Terracotta Warriors. They all thoroughly enjoyed the trip.”
“The residents are also embracing a new Chinese activity,” added Monika. “We now have weekly Tai Chi classes, which are totally inclusive as the exercises are both for those standing and those seated.
“The benefits for the residents of taking part in the Tai Chi classes include improved flexibility and relaxation, better balance, a reduction in pain, and it also enhances energy flow through the gentle, controlled movements, deep breathing, and mindful, flowing arm and body exercises. They are extremely popular and the residents are really enjoying a new weekly exercise session.”
“The Chinese New Year celebration was a great success,” added Andy. “It was wonderful to see the residents and clients enjoying The Lion Dance, the delicious food and chatting away together about the experience.”
Find out more about Bernard Sunley care home by calling 01483 764 300 or emailing [email protected].