CHINESE NEW YEAR
Stephen Tsui, president of the Essex County Chinese Canadian Association, holds a decorative doll signifying the Year of the Rat as his group prepares for Chinese New Year festivities at Devonshire Mall on Sunday.
Gung Hay Fat Choy, Windsor! This coming weekend brings the Lunar New Year, and the city’s Cantonese-speaking Chinese community is once again inviting you to celebrate.
On Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Devonshire Mall, the Essex County Chinese Canadian Association will hold demonstrations and displays to ring in the Year of the Rat.
You’re a Rat if you were born in the years 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, or 2008.
According to the Chinese Zodiac, Rats are family-oriented — but also ambitious, resourceful and crafty.
Legend has it that the rat was the first among the Chinese Zodiac animals to present itself to the Jade Emperor.
However, the rat wasn’t the fastest: The ox was leading the pack.
The rat convinced the ox to give it a ride, and at the last moment, the pat jumped off the ox and landed at the front of the line.
“The rat was smart enough to hitch a ride,” said Sungee John, vice-president of the Chinese association. “That’s why it’s the animal that starts the Chinese Zodiac. They can be sly.”
Sunday’s festivities will include the traditional dragon parade through the mall, costumed folk dancing, Chinese folk tunes sung by a choir, a performance with the guzheng (a Chinese stringed instrument), traditional Chinese drumming, plus demonstrations of kung fu and tai chi.
Tables will show Chinese calligraphy and crafts, and there will be Chinese snacks and tea for sampling.
It’s the fifth year the Devonshire Mall has hosted the Chinese association for Chinese New Year.
Jan. 25 is the official date of the Lunar New Year in 2020, but the Chinese association celebrations will continue next month.
On Feb. 29, the association will hold its annual fundraising gala at the Ciociaro Club (3745 North Talbot Rd.). Starting at 5:45 p.m., the event will feature a 10-course Chinese dinner, cultural performances, door prizes and a silent auction.
Gala tickets are $120. Call 519252-6621 or email info@eccca.net.
That’s why (the rat) is the animal that starts the Chinese Zodiac. They can be sly.