Festivities and celebrations
Date Published
The Chinese community took part in a wide range of festivals—most obviously Chinese New Year, but also events such as the opening of Joss Houses. They also joined in local celebrations, particularly in Bendigo with the Easter Parade, as well as a number of other parades across Victoria. In these events, members of the Chinese community often dressed in exotic costume to provide a colourful and distinctive element, while the festivities were also enjoyed by the wider local community.
People would come to watch the opening of a Joss House or to see the fireworks during Chinese New Year. In fact, some observers later lamented the disappearance of Joss Houses and their celebrations as local Chinese communities declined, recalling them as a regular and memorable part of their youth.
A lasting archaeological reminder of these festivities is the presence of pig ovens, which were once common throughout the eastern states. These were often associated with Joss Houses, though in some areas where the community became more Christian, the festivities continued on private land instead. The roasting of a whole pig was a central feature of many of these celebrations, accompanied by other food, fireworks, and the lively noise that local newspapers often described in detail.
Easter parade, Chinese New Year, Burials, local events, pig roasting, Joss house opening
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/64032676
