January 31, 2014 2.50 pm This story is over 128 months old

Lincoln celebrates Chinese New Year

The year of the horse: Lincoln celebrated Chinese New Year with a parade and authentic food.

A Chinese dragon parade, traditional food spreads and festive decorations were enjoyed across Lincoln as the city saw in the Chinese New Year — the year of the horse.

At the University of Lincoln’s Atrium, visitors, students and staff enjoyed a selection of edible treats and red decorations.

In the city centre, the Yo Yo Beijing team did not let the rain dampen their celebrations.

Shoppers at on Lincoln High Street were entertained with authentic drumming and a dancing dragon.

The parade finished at the Yo Yo Beijing restaurant on the junction at St Marks Street, where diners joined in the action.

The Chinese holiday, also known as the Spring Festival, was traditionally a time to honour deities as well as ancestors.

According to tales and legends, the beginning of Chinese New Year started with the fight against a mythical beast called the Nian, who was afraid of the colour red.

When New Year loomed, the villagers would hang red lanterns and red spring scrolls on windows and doors. People also used firecrackers to frighten away the Nian.