Celebrate Chinese New Year 2024

Credit to Author: Ramya Ramanathan| Date: Wed, 07 Feb 2024 01:52:11 +0000

Join Chinese community festivities for this year’s Lunar Festival

Chinese New Year 2024, also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar Festival, falls on Saturday, February 10, 2024. This year ushers in the Year of the Dragon, associated with good fortune, wisdom and success.

Most Canadian cities and towns have find community celebrations, from parades to activities for children and exhibitions, during the 16 days of celebration. Several workplaces have traditional lunches in respect for the diversity in the workplace, and to build team cohesion. The season is an excellent opportunity to connect and bond with your Chinese friends in your community. According to the 2021 Census, people of Chinese origin make up 4.7% of the total population of Canada.

Big crowds descend on parades and festivals often held in Chinatowns like the Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Parade; events at locations like the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre; and at the multitude of celebrations being held in various locations from malls to museums in the Greater Toronto Area. And if you are a foodie, you can ring in the Year of the Dragon by finding special menu items in many Chinese restaurants!

Chinese-Canadian Zhenzhen Gu, a contributor to Canadian Immigrant, finds different ways to share the joy of the season.

“While I no longer hear firecrackers, watch fireworks, see relatives or visit an open air market, I am still pretty happy because I feel like a cultural ambassador and proudly share our rich culture and heritage,” says Gu, who works at the Toronto Reference Library. This year, with the help of colleagues at the library, she has created a few displays to inform visitors about the significance of the festival.

Year of the Dragon

2024 is the Year of the Dragon in Chinese New Year lore. The Dragon is the 5th of all zodiac animals. People born in the year of the Dragon – 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, and 1952 – signify qualities including power, endless energy and vitality, and are known to be goal-oriented yet idealistic and romantic, and visionary leaders. They know exactly who they are and possess the keenest sense of self among the 12 zodiacs of Chinese astrology. While Dragons are strong and independent figures, but they yearn for support and love.

Lucky things

Lucky numbers: 6, 8
Lucky colors: Cyan Blue, Purple
Lucky directions: West, Northeast
Lucky flowers: Bamboo, Cyclamen

Unlucky things

Unlucky numbers: 4, 9
Unlucky colors: Black, Red
Unlucky directions: East, Northwest

Source: https://chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/dragon/

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