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As the Lunar New Year begins, millions of people across Asia and around the world are celebrating. Families in China, Vietnam and Korea come together to share meals and honour their traditions. Lunar New Year also is celebrated in London. Free Press reporter Beatriz Baleeiro looks at how London’s Chinese community keeps its cultural practices alive during this festive time.
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WHAT IS LUNAR NEW YEAR
The Lunar New Year, also known as the spring festival in China, is the most significant holiday in eastern Asia and begins on the second new moon after the winter solstice.
This year, the Lunar New Year begins on Jan. 29 and continues until the lantern festival on Feb. 12. In London, the festivities may start with fireworks on Tuesday, Jan. 28 to celebrate the beginning of the new year.
People are welcoming the year of the snake, an animal seen as alert, calm and smart. The snake is associated with introspection and balance.
Andy Ho, president of the London chapter of the Chinese Canadian National Council (CCNC), said it’s a year for very good fortune.
WHY THE LUNAR NEW IS SUCH A BIG DEAL
The Lunar New Year is a time to celebrate and honour elders and reflect on the previous year while setting good intentions for the upcoming year. Each country celebrating has different traditions passed from generation to generation.
Some include giving children a red envelope with money to place under their pillows for good luck in the year to come.
The 15-day-long celebration starts with a visit to the most senior member of the family for a feast.
HOW THE NEW YEAR IS CELEBRATED
Families gather around tables draped in red cloths and decorated with lanterns. A grand meal featuring nine dishes, a number that signifies longevity in Chinese culture, is served.
The feast consists of authentic dishes meant to represent good fortune, health, wealth and long life. Fish is a key component, symbolizing prosperity.
Dumplings are tied to good luck, while Niangao (Chinese New Year cake) signifies career progress and increased income. Sweet rice balls represent family unity, and noodles are eaten as a symbol of long life.
In London, those wanting to partake in a traditional Lunar New Year feast will find some options available, though some Chinese restaurants may close for the holiday.
THE FIREWORKS
The city is allowing backyard fireworks for Lunar New Year’s eve celebrations on Jan. 28 between dusk and 11 p.m. Fireworks cannot be discharged in city parks or streets. Enforcement officers and fire prevention inspectors will be out in the community enforcing municipal bylaws, the city says.
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THE PARTIES
The annual dragon gala on Feb. 1, for more than 400 guests at Centennial Hall, will feature Chinese arts and crafts, a silent auction, dragon dances, folk songs and musical performances and a kung fu demonstration. Tickets are available on the dragon gala website.
This year’s party, which has been held since 1998, will be more “casual” with finger foods and appetizers rather than a buffet feast, Ho said.
London Symphonia is joining in Lunar New Year celebrations with a presentation of stories and music called A New Moon Celebration. The concert on Feb. 1 at Metropolitan United Church will include a performance by Lina Cao on the guzheng, a Chinese zither instrument, violinist Scott St. John, the London Youth Symphony and other musicians of London Symphonia. Tickets are available at londonsymphonia.ca
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