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Meet Luke Johnston: a UK-born PhD student at Shanghai Jiao Tong University who’s become a cultural ambassador through festive traditions . Last year, he embraced China’s Spring Festival by pasting red couplets and decorating homes with friends. This year? He’s brought the magic home to the UK, blending East and West during Lunar New Year celebrations with his family.
In a heartwarming video, Luke’s mom steals the show by greeting viewers in Mandarin: ‘Happy Year of the Rabbit!’ The clip highlights how global youth are redefining traditions—whether through homemade dumplings in London or virtual red envelope exchanges across time zones.
‘It’s about connection,’ Luke says. ‘In China, Spring Festival means family reunions and fireworks. Here, we’re creating our own fusion—dim sum brunches and explaining zodiac stories to my nieces.’ His viral posts showcase lion dance workshops in Bristol and DIY lantern-making sessions, proving cultural joy needs no passport.
As over 1.5 billion people worldwide celebrate Lunar New Year, Luke’s story resonates with young diasporas and travelers alike. From K-pop stars sharing seollal greetings to TikTokers teaching calligraphy, the holiday’s spirit is thriving—one creative adaptation at a time.
. Last year, he embraced China’s Spring Festival by pasting red couplets and decorating homes with friends. This year? He’s brought the magic home to the UK, blending East and West during Lunar New Year celebrations with his family.
In a heartwarming video, Luke’s mom steals the show by greeting viewers in Mandarin: ‘Happy Year of the Rabbit!’ 
The clip highlights how global youth are redefining traditions—whether through homemade dumplings in London or virtual red envelope exchanges across time zones.
‘It’s about connection,’ Luke says. ‘In China, Spring Festival means family reunions and fireworks. Here, we’re creating our own fusion—dim sum brunches and explaining zodiac stories to my nieces.’ His viral posts showcase lion dance workshops in Bristol and DIY lantern-making sessions, proving cultural joy needs no passport.
As over 1.5 billion people worldwide celebrate Lunar New Year, Luke’s story resonates with young diasporas and travelers alike. From K-pop stars sharing seollal greetings to TikTokers teaching calligraphy, the holiday’s spirit is thriving—one creative adaptation at a time. 
