Lunar New Year in Canada

The Day

Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is not a public holiday in Canada but is celebrated by the significant Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and other East Asian communities within the country. It falls on a different date each year, between January 21 and February 20, based on the lunar calendar.

History and Traditions

The celebration of Lunar New Year in Canada reflects the customs and traditions brought by immigrants from East Asian countries. Although it does not have a long history native to Canada itself, the festival has been enriched by the diverse Asian cultures that have made Canada their home.

Traditional activities include:

• Family Reunions: Many families gather for a reunion dinner on Lunar New Year's Eve.
• Red Envelopes: Red envelopes or packets containing money are given to children and unmarried adults for good luck.
• Dragon and Lion Dances: Public performances often take place in community centers or outdoor venues.
• Fireworks and Firecrackers: These are used to scare away evil spirits and welcome good fortune.

What People Do

In cities with large Asian populations such as Vancouver and Toronto:

• Festivals: Communities organize festivals featuring traditional foods, music, dance performances, and martial arts demonstrations.
• Parades: Parades showcasing dragon dances, lion dances, and cultural floats are common.
• Cultural Exhibitions: Museums and cultural centers often host exhibitions related to Lunar New Year traditions.
• Marketplaces: Pop-up marketplaces sell traditional goods, decorations, clothing, snacks, and sweets associated with Lunar New Year.

Individuals also clean their homes to rid them of bad luck before the new year arrives and decorate with red lanterns, banners with auspicious phrases, kumquat trees for prosperity, and blooming plants symbolizing rebirth.