Memories of home flood back as Chinese workers mark New Year

Dubai: The day brought back memories of home when the aroma of dumplings and soup wafted across homes.

Many Chinese workers yesterday celebrated the New Year for the first time away from their home and children. But they did exactly what they would have done in China: cook a hot meal and savour the day.

When Gulf News visited them at their accommodation in Jebel Ali yesterday the workers were seen busy enjoying a special New Year dinner comprising steaming authentic Chinese rice, beef, vegetables, soup and sweet and salted peanuts.

"We have special celebrations on this day. The Chinese people who have left their provinces to work in big Chinese cities come back to their ancestral home. It is a must for us to celebrate the New Year with our parents and our elders in the family," said Bruce Yuan who works as a translator at the accommodation.

He said that the New Year marks the advent of spring.

Onset of spring

"The onset of spring is the beginning of a new chapter in the life of a Chinese person be it studies, employment or family life."

Garrett Jia, a translator, said that he is trying to make the best of the situation.

"We are working here now. The celebrations will be low-key but the important thing is that we celebrate the day which is so very important for us." Each worker in the accommodation made sure he made a telephone call home to wish his parents, his wife and his children a happy New Year.

"This is first time I have been away from home. I have two children. My eldest daughter is eight. She was thrilled to hear my voice. I wished her a happy New Year and asked her not to trouble her mother. I was happy to hear her excited. I am here to give her a better tomorrow," said Oijian Ping, a carpenter.

The workers said celebrations at their accommodation began on Saturday night with everyone gathering to watch special New Year programmes relayed live by a Chinese television channel. They said the moment when the old year ushers in the new is very special.

"I miss my 12-year-old boy. When I telephoned home he greeted me and said that I should come home and be with him. In China we have 15 days holidays for the New Year. The celebrations run for a week. I miss all that. This is the first time I have been so far from home," said Wang Yubiao, a carpenter.