The Chinese Lunar New Year, also referred to as the Spring Festival falls on January 25th, 2020. It is the Year of the Rat according to the Chinese zodiac, which features a 12-year cycle with each year represented by a specific animal. 2020 is the Year of the Rat, which is predicted to be a lucky year.
The Chinese Spring Festival dates back to the beginning of the Shang Dynasty about 4,000 years ago. During this time, the Spring Festival began as a tradition of respect to ancestors and deities during the close and beginning of years. In order to prepare for this festival, people clean every part of their homes and bodies. This ritual of spring cleaning is a tradition that continues in most parts of China even in today.
In celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year 2020, Company employees based at KBK Mine, Basamuk Refinery and Madang Base took active part in various activities to welcome the Year of the Rat.
On January 23rd, the day before the Spring Festival Eve, Chinese and PNG national employees of KBK Mine gathered at the mess in a joint effort to make dumplings, which is the most symbolic food for the Spring Festival in the Chinese culture. Employees shared their memories of the Spring Festival and talked about customs and traditions for the Spring Festival in different parts of China.
Several lottery draws were done in between the event, which activated the atmosphere of the night.
Employees based on Basamuk Refinery also observed the Chinese Lunar New Year in a rather unique way of a karaoke competition. About twenty employees of both Chinese and PNG nationals participated in the competition to the thrill of hundred others who enjoyed the wonderful competition as audience. All competitors received loud applauses during their brilliant performances. The PNG national employees added extra flair to the event when they dressed up in tradition decorations and danced together during the karaoke which got audience cheered and some screaming as acknowledgement to their performances.
On New Year’s Eve, employees at Madang Base were treated with a delicious dinner full of traditional Chinese foods as well as wonderful singing and dancing performance. The evening gala opened with a passionate tropical dance, in which PNG national staff dressed up in their exquisite festive costumes, with the beautiful melody and cheerful beats, the dancers presented their best wishes for the Chinese Lunar New Year.
The celebration activities not only decorated the Chinese Lunar New Year atmosphere, but also displayed the united spirits of employees at KBK Mine, Basamuk Refinery and Madang, and enhanced the friendship between Chinese and PNG employees, highlighted the multiple and merging company culture.
Traditional PNG dancing performance at Madang Base
Karaoke competition staged at Basamuk Refinery
VP Zhao conveying greetings to employees at KBK Mine