In case you didn’t know: Chinese New Year and the Lantern Festival

Unlike western holidays such as Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the date for Chinese New Year (aka Spring Festival) varies every year with a general range from mid-January to mid-February. This is as traditional Chinese festivals are usually based on Lunar/Moon Phase Calendar.  In 2019, Chinese New Year was celebrated on February 5 for the Year of Pig.

If you are not familar with the Chinese Zodiac Story, you can take a look here!  You can also check your Zodiac sign here.

The Lantern Festival is always 15 days after the Chinese New Year. The name comes from the tradition of hanging different types of beautiful lanterns. Another name for the festival is Yuan Xiao. Yuan means first, and Xiao means night. It symbolizes the first full moon night in the lunar new year.

The Lantern Festival marks the end of the celebration for the Spring Festival. After eating a bowl of Yuan Xiao or Tang Yuan, which are traditionally small and round rice balls with sesame filling, everything returns to normal. People go back to work, and students go back to classes.

Traditional Yuan Xiao (or Tang Yuan)
Traditional Yuan Xiao (or Tang Yuan). Photo credit: https://www.instructables.com/id/Tangyuan-Glutinous-rice-dumplings-in-sweet-soup/

Most Chinese schools and workplaces set their winter break according to the date of the Spring Festival.  Hundreds of thousands of people begin their journey of going home right after the break. For some of them, this might be the only time of the year they can go back to their hometowns and visit family.

Living in Canada and in the western culture, the Spring Festival is not a statutory holiday. There are usually no days off to celebrate the Chinese New Year or the Lantern Festival. Furthermore, as the two festivals always take place about one and half month into the second term, there are always numerous midterms and assignments either around or on the dates. The last time I spent Chinese New Year with my family was six year ago!!!!!!!

However, there are celebrations around Vancouver that aim to continue the traditions. Although the Chinese New Year has passed, the Lantern Festival is taking place on February 19, 2019.

Flight of the Dragon: Jan. 24 to Feb. 24, 2019

The Galleria of Imperial Inspirations: Jan. 29 to Feb. 19, 2019

 

Happy Lantern Festival!

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