For those who follow the Western calendar New Years has passed, but for those who follow the Lunar calendar preparations are being made for an upcoming New Year Celebration.
Campbell River continues to have a strong presence in the community from Vietnam and China, both countries celebrate Lunar New Year.
Ai Guo Zhang, an immigrant from China and owner of local Edgewater Motel, said, “This is the most important traditional festivity for us. I remember when I was in China our family gathered for a reunion dinner on every Lunar New Year’s eve with everyone eating and drinking, chatting and laughing, it made a home filled with strong close feelings. This year I cannot reunite with my family, but we will celebrate here and send greetings back home.”
This year moves us from year of the Dragon to year of the Snake, which repeats every 12 years in the Chinese Zodiac. It is said that those who are born during the year of the snake share certain characteristics such as intelligence, cunning and pride and that finding a snake in the house is a good omen as it means your family will not go hungry.
“Lunar New Year does not fall on the same date every year as it is based on the moon so this year’s Lunar New Year falls on Feb. 10.
You can join the celebration at the Immigrant Welcome Centre on Tuesday, Feb. 12 at the Robron Centre. Everyone is welcome to join us for this whole day celebration, packed with exciting activities, or you may pick any sessions you like” said Vietnamese volunteer organizer Thu Nguyet.
Schedule:
- 12:30-1:30 p.m. Buddhist Chanting in Vietnamese
- 1:30-2:30 p.m. Buddhist Chanting in English
- 2:30-3:30 p.m. “What is Lunar New Year” & Ceremony
- 3:30-4 p.m. Questions & Answers
- 4:30 p.m. Doors Open for Potluck
- 5-9 p.m. Potluck followed by International Entertainment
For more information, contact Diversity Projects Coordinator, Shannon Briggs, at (250) 830-0171 ext 810 or email Shannon.Briggs@ImmigrantWelcome.ca
The Immigrant Welcome Centre serves the Comox Valley, Campbell River and North Island. They provide services to immigrants to help them integrate and settle into Canada. Over 600 clients have been served in the past year as immigration continues to bring innovative and skilled newcomers to the community.