For Zein Ali, a Syrian youth living in Nanjing, this year’s Lunar New Year was a delicious collision of traditions. 🌍✨ Alongside his father and sister, Zein embraced classic Chinese customs—hanging crimson lanterns, crafting dumplings, and filling hongbao (red envelopes)—while weaving in flavors from his Syrian roots.
A Fusion Feast
Their New Year’s Eve dinner table became a cultural remix: plump dumplings symbolizing wealth sat beside aromatic hummus and spiced kebabs. 🥟🫓 \"In Syria, we celebrate with family too,\" Zein shared. \"But here, the fish dish means ‘surplus every year’—that’s new to us!\"
Tradition with a Twist
Since arriving in 2010, Zein’s family has blended Lunar New Year rituals with Middle Eastern warmth. From bargaining for festive decorations at Nanjing markets to explaining the lore behind nian gao (sticky rice cake), their story mirrors China’s growing cultural crossroads.
\"Festivals are like a global potluck,\" Zein laughed. \"Why not swap recipes for happiness?\" 🎆
