The Chinese Lunar New Year on February 7th is fast approaching and while it is a good time in Vancouver to catch the vibrant celebrations at Sun Yat Sen, the holiday itself is full of meaningful purpose.
It is a time to acknowledge our family and pay respects to the generations that have come and gone before us. Chinese New Year reminds us that we are never alone, but the essence of our past family is still with us as we go through our lives. The New Year’s feast makes room for our ancestors by setting them a symbolic place at the dinner table. The celebration that follows lasts 15 days, each day marked by symbolic activities to welcome good fortune for the upcoming year.
Prepare for the New Year by giving your home a thorough clean and decorate with red. On the 7th, invite family over for dinner and share stories of your ancestors’ contributions to your present lives. Give children red envelopes stuffed with money (a loonie will do). Then head on down to Dr. Sun Yat Sen Gardens on February 10th and join in on the fun.
There are many meaningful details in the 15 days of Lunar New Year celebrations. You can learn more here!
