N.L. celebrates Lunar New Year in the Year of the Rabbit. After the pandemic, St. John's Asian community's largest celebration ...
N.L. celebrates Lunar New Year in the Year of the Rabbit.
After the pandemic, St. John's Asian community's largest celebration is returning.
"We wanted to open this up so that we can welcome everybody back and help us celebrate the first Lunar New Year we've celebrated in our community since 2020," says former Chinese Association of Newfoundland and Labrador president Tzu-Hao Hsu.
On January 29, the St. John's Farmers' Market will provide traditional performances, family-friendly activities, and Loong Wah Restaurant's food.
The Chinese zodiac's lunar calendar assigns each year one of 12 animals, and 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit. People born in those years have animal tendencies. Hsu stated Rabbit-born people are compassionate.
Hsu called them nice, patient, skilled, and responsible.
"Having a Rabbit younger brother, I can confirm all of this."
Some Asian countries celebrate the Lunar New Year for 15 days, unlike Canada and most Western countries.
"Jan. 22 is your first day and the 15 days after that have a daily ritual you can observe or perform."
Hsu said the Lunar New Year begins with family and then celebrates with different groups each day.
"You can visit your ancestors' graves on certain days to thank them for their benefits. Coworkers and everyone have days. It's a family-wide festivity "remarked.
Events include food.
"Lunar New Year isn't complete without wonderful cuisine and symbolic dishes," added Hsu. "They're delicious."
Food is a big part of Memorial University math student Camille Liao's Farmers' Market event. Liao is from Hubei, central China, and while Newfoundland celebrations are different, she remembers the pleasant days with relatives.
"When I was in China, we normally celebrated the Chinese New Year by traveling to my dad's parents' house for lunch and then to my mom's side for dinner," Liao recalled.
Liao's aunt in St. John's gives her red pockets, a seasonal envelope filled with cash, which is one of her favorite traditions.
That's why living alone is advantageous.
"Red pockets aren't my money in China. They went to my mom's pocket "said.
Liao can now retain her money.
Hsu said in-person celebrations make the season even more exciting.