Out with the dragon, in with the snake: N.L.'s Chinese community celebrates beginning of Lunar New Year
Wednesday marks the beginning of 15-day celebration
Out with the dragon, in with the snake.
Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year — and 15 days of celebration and tradition. It's the year of the snake, and according to Chinese Association of Newfoundland and Labrador president Francis Tam, it's a symbol of perseverance.
"Those who usually wait will get their rewards, so patience is a key," Tam said in an interview on CBC Radio's The St. John's Morning Show.
The Lunar New Year is observed on the Chinese calendar, which is based on both the Earth's orbit around the sun and the moon's phases. The year of the snake comes from the Chinese zodiac: a 12-year cycle represented by 12 animals with unique qualities.
Tam said people who were born under the sign of the snake — for example, in 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 and 2025 — can await "great rewards and fortune."
The Chinese Association of N.L. is starting its celebration with a sold out gala on Saturday night, but the public is welcome to join in on some family fun at the Royal Canadian Legion branch in Pleasantville, St. John's on Sunday afternoon.
Tam says he is blown away by the local interest in Lunar New Year celebrations.
"We had 300 tickets and they just sold out in a flash, you know, it's such a celebratory event," he said. "People were telling me we could do, like, a two-day show for this next year."
Family traditions
Children in the Chinese community in Newfoundland and Labrador are taught about their culture so they can maintain a sense of identity, said Tam.
People dress in red to symbolize good fortune, and "lucky" red packets — typically stuffed with money — are given to the young ones in the family.
"It's some lucky money that they can use to spend right as they choose," Tam said.
WATCH | 300 tickets went fast for this year's gala celebrating the Lunar New Year:
Tam says sharing Chinese culture and traditions in St. John's is an invaluable part of this holiday.
"Right now we are, you know, an integral part of the society we are in, in all walks of life here on the island," said Tam.
"Through several generations and perseverance, we've integrated successfully into society. And it's just a way to connect and to showcase our culture."
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With files from The St. John's Morning Show
