When we see the word “monkey,” most of us are indifferent to the animal and some might associate it with mischievousness or silliness. However, move monkey onto a cultural story about 12 animals racing to represent the Chinese lunar cycle and you’ve got a great story to celebrate the new year’s wealth and good fortune.
Chinese New Year is fast approaching and this year it falls on Monday February 8. Chinese New Year is scheduled around the lunisolar Chinese calendar, dictated by the movements of the moon and sun. Many cultures in Asia religiously celebrate the Chinese New Year or, as it is also called, the Lunar New Year.
Although the Chinese New Year or the Lunar New Year is a holiday of community and family in Asia, the Chinese New Year in Vancouver resonates a deeper connection with its citizens. Chinese New Year not only highlights family and celebrations, but in a multicultural city like Vancouver, it really brings a collective multicultural identity into the spotlight.
“I see togetherness as the essence of Chinese New Year. From families to friends, everyone gathers under one roof to celebrate the new year and to welcome it together as one unit,” said Milly Zhu, student and president of the UBC Asian Interests Association.
Zhu recommends celebrating the Chinese New Year by being around friends and family, perhaps going to hotpot or enjoying a Chinese meal in a traditional Chinese restaurant.
The Year of the Monkey can also be celebrated in many ways with the ample amount of actives in Vancouver spanning the days preceding and following the Lunar New Year. The Chinese Benevolent Association of Vancouver is celebrating the year of the monkey with the 43rd Chinatown Spring Festival Parade on Sunday, February 14. The parade will begin at 11 a.m., starting at the Millennium Gate on Pender Street and followed by traditional lion dances to welcome in good fortune for the new year.
“The Vancouver Spring Festival celebration is important because it provides a perfect opportunity for the various cultural and mainstream groups to come together and participate in a cultural celebration as well as learn, understand, share and respect each other's cultural differences and values,” said Jun Ing, coordinator of the parade.
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is welcoming the year of the fire monkey with The Year of the Monkey Temple Fair also on February 14 with tickets available by donation. This community event pays homage to the 4,000-year-old tradition of the Chinese Spring Festival to celebrate the previous year’s hard work and success.
The Lunar Fest also contains a variety of events, exhibitions, performances, games, culinary activities and crafts spanning a two-day celebration from February 12-14 at the Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza. Fun activities include learning to make traditional Hakka Lunar Tea- Lei Cha and your own fortune cookies.
Happy Year of the Monkey!