Chinese community rings in new year
Red, stuffed- toy dogs adorned each table, and red gift envelopes were handed out to children at the Chinese New Year Gala held at Merritton Community Centre Saturday night.
While there were no customary fireworks, the hall was filled with sounds and colours of China for the celebration of the 2018 Chinese new year which began Feb. 16.
Based on the lunar calendar, Chinese new year takes place on a different date each year and cycles every 12 years.
“In the Chinese zodiac, we have 12 different animals, every one of them is very significant to the Chinese,” said Chong Ling, vice- president of the Chinese Cultural Association in Niagara.
According to Asian astrology, the year of birth and the animal associated with it will be indicative of one’s personality.
“Those born in the year of the dog will be honest, very hardworking, as most of us know, like a dog can be, very loyal,” added Ling.
“I myself, am from the year of the dog in 1958.”
Specifically, 2018 is the year of the earth dog, the first time since 1958.
Earth dogs are also said to be broad- minded, faithful, considerate and stick to principles. They have clear goals, persistence and never give up.
Saturday’s celebration was put on by the Confucius Institute at Brock University, along with the Chinese Cultural Association of Niagara and Niagara Chinese Business Council.
Chinese new year, also known as spring festival, is celebrated by about one- quarter of the world’s population, with Asian countries such as Korea and Thailand also taking part.
Saturday evening’s gala featured Chinese cuisine and performances that included a lion dance.
Nearly 600 people were in attendance.
“It has changed tremendously over almost 40 years,” said Ling.
“When we first started we had a small gathering in a restaurant, maybe 20 to 30 people. In the last five to 10 years, there’s been an influx of Chinese immigrants, especially to Toronto, Vancouver and the Niagara region.
For Hongfu Chen, Chinese director of the Confucius Institute, it’s an important event for bringing community together.
“It’s a time when family comes together, family reunions, but also here, it’s a good chance for interaction with local Canadians.”
Said Ling, “We celebrate our Canadian new year like everyone else, but as people of Chinese decent we should always remember to celebrate the lunar new year and carry on the culture.”