Kung hei fat choi! 恭喜發財! Happy new year!
As we enter the Year of the Horse in 2026, here’s a look back at how the Chinese community in Avoca Lead celebrated New Year in 1865 – one hundred and sixty one years ago.
Leader (Melbourne, Vic.), Saturday 18 February 1865, page 17
AVOCA.
Chinese Hospitality.— Our local correspondent writes :— ‘ The inhabitants of the Avoca Lead were, on the 5th inst., regaled with a most sumptuous dinner, given by Messrs Ah See and Ah Sing, Chinese storekeepers, of this district, the day being the last of the anniversary of the Chinese New Year. About forty Europeans and upwards of one hundred Chinese partook of a monster dinner, consisting of turkey, fowl, pork, &c., &c, with bottled porter, spirits and wine ad libitum. Upwards of £8 worth of crackers were let off on the occasion. Our hosts received the well- wishes of the company, and seemed highly pleased on being cheered by their European guests. The whole proceeding passed off in a most orderly manner.
The 1865 Chinese zodiac is the Ox, covering the lunar period from January 27, 1865, to February 12, 1866.
