Chinese New Year - By Ivan Shum Weng Shen

Written By: Ivan Shum Weng Shen

Category: Descriptive Essay

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 brings a vibrant celebration of cultural expression. Ivan Shum Weng Shen's descriptive essay, "Chinese New Year," offers a vivid portrayal of the colorful festivities during this traditional holiday. Through his adept use of language and imagery, Ivan captures the essence of a celebration that signifies renewal and prosperity. This essay is a tribute to the lively customs and shared joy that mark the Chinese New Year, reflecting the rich tapestry of cultural heritage.

About the Work

Ivan Shum Weng Shen's "Chinese New Year" is a rich tapestry of vivid imagery and sensory details that encapsulates the spirit of this festive occasion. With a keen eye for detail, Ivan paints a picture of bustling cityscapes adorned with vibrant reds and the joyous sounds of cymbals and gongs. The essay evokes the warmth of familial gatherings around a traditional feast, highlighting the joyous camaraderie and cultural significance of the celebration. The work is a testament to the enduring traditions that bring communities together in joy and prosperity.

Chinese New Year

Original Submission by Ivan Shum Weng Shen

Chinese New Year

Under the vast expanse of the celestial canvas, a fleet of clouds slowly drift across the bright and morning sky. The golden medallion, suspended in the heavens above, blasts its warm radiance all over the broad landscape. As blistering shafts of sunlight extensively inundate the ambient air, luminous rays casted a lustrous luminescence into the mellow atmosphere.

In the bustling cities, boisterous clanging of cymbals fill the exuberant air in rhythmic symphonies, along with the banging of gongs that produce a deep and lasting sound. The cityscape exhibits vibrant colours of vermillion reds, mandarin oranges, and cheerful yellows on every walled surface. Superstitious lines of Chinese inscriptions spell fortune all to whom that steps foot through the charmed threshold that is lavished with well-meaning banners.

Along with the assortment of red paper, cut and folded into a school of fish, that is pasted onto every wall of the fun-filled house, beacons of red lanterns dangled off the ceiling, illuminating a feeble glow. Diamond cuts of inverted posters that carry the Chinese word for “prosperity” ubiquitously flooded every nook and cranny with felicity and good fortune.

The lazy suzan served as a humble podium for a feast of traditional Chinese delicacies that perched on dragon-patterned porcelain plates. Somehow the familiar sensation of aromatic fragrance danced in the air before filling my yearning nostrils as I stepped foot into the room. The irresistible, silky texture, along with the relish of the luxuriant soup dumplings. Flooding my yearning mouth, the mouth-watering concoction gushed into my taste buds with each savoury bite. Cascading streams of salty, savoury filling exploded with such delightful, tantalising flavours that washed over my insatiable cravings.

Creating an energetic buzz, laughter and animated conversations electrified the sparking air around the rounded mahogany-wooden table. Every excited face was adorned with smiles, and gestures that were as expressive as a melodic symphony, each person adding a unique note to the harmonious cacophony of joy and camaraderie.

Wrapped in a sophisticatedly designed cheongsam, the little girl’s black cascading hair flowed like a river. Her brown and intense eyes were fixed on the red packets. Possessing an infectious enthusiasm, she evoked boundless energy and innocent laughter through her smile that can make flowers grow, as she excitedly flipped open the red envelope. It wrapped prosperity in the form of a stash of bills.

The Chinese New Year dragon danced in a mesmerising spectacle of vibrant colours and rhythmic movements. The long, serpentine beast, made of silk and paper, comes to life as it twists, turns, and undulates around the porch. The monster’s body, adorned with intricate patterns and symbols, is held aloft by a team of agile and synchronised dancers. Drums, cymbals, and the joyful sounds of onlookers fill the air as the dragon dance symbolises good luck, prosperity, and a fresh start in the lunar new year.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious platform for writers and poets worldwide to showcase their talents. This competition celebrates diverse voices and creative expressions across various genres. Participants explore themes that resonate on a global scale, fostering a rich exchange of cultural narratives. It is an opportunity to witness the power of words in bringing together a community of writers committed to the craft of storytelling and literary excellence.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ivan Shum Weng Shen for sharing his evocative essay, "Chinese New Year," with us as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. His vivid depiction of this culturally significant celebration enriches our understanding and appreciation of traditional festivities. We celebrate Ivan's contribution to this global platform and look forward to his continued exploration of cultural narratives through his descriptive writing.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.