German lass celebrates Chinese New Year in Shandong

Sandra, a Chinese woman who grew up in Germany, recently immersed herself in the traditions of Shanxian county – located in Heze city in East China's Shandong province – during the recent Chinese New Year festivities.

Sandra, who has harbored a passion for Chinese culture – particularly its delectable cuisine – since her youth, found herself drawn closer to the traditions of her husband's hometown.

A twist of fate led her to meet Tian Zhen, a resident of Zhangji town in Shanxian county. Several years later, the couple tied the knot – cementing her ties to the region.

For Sandra, celebrating the Chinese New Year meant waking up early on New Year's Eve to join her mother-in-law in a trip to the market for ingredients. The duo then spent the day making dumplings, with Sandra's proficiency growing under her mother-in-law's patient guidance.

Sandra and the dumplings she made with her mother-in-law. [Photo by Cao Hongyuan for chinadaily.com.cn]

"I love every moment of the Chinese New Year – from cutting window flowers to making decorative dumplings – it all adds to the festive spirit," Sandra enthused.

As she experienced the local customs of putting up spring couplets, writing the character fu – which means good fortune in English – and hanging lanterns, Sandra expressed her heartfelt wish for a prosperous and joyful new year for her family and the community. (Edited by Zhou Yunlai)