"Chinese" New Year is not just for the Chinese. A look at how the Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean cultures celebrate the Lunar New Year.
Text by: Phoebe Yu
Edited by: Mike Lee
Published: January 25, 2011, The Source
Feb. 3, 2011 marks the first day of the Lunary new Year. This year ushers in the Year of the Rabbit (or hare). People born under this sign are said to be shy, wise cautious and graceful. By the same token, the rabbit is said to bring peace for the coming year. Being the "luckiest" animal in the zodiac, the rabbit may well represent cautious optimism for 2011 after a tumultuous 2010, which was - fittingly enough - the year of the tiger.
Though commonly referred to as "Chinese New Year," the lunar new year tradition is shared among the Vietnamese and Korean cultures as well. Known as Tet in Vietnam and Seolnal in Korea, the lunar new year tradition is as deeply ingrained into their cultures as it is for the Chinese.
The lunar new year is primarily a time for families to get together and typically lasts for a week or two.
For the Vietnamese, preparations start a week in advance with grocery shopping, cleaning and cooking done before the start of the new year
"It's because nobody wants to be bothered with anything on new year's day," said Hai Trieu Le, editor of Viet Nam magazine and senior director of the Vietnamese Canadian Community of Greater Vancouver Society. It is also important to start the year right by paying off any money owed and making sure not to lend money out on this day. Some traditional foods eaten on this day are banh chung (steamed cake) and com (also a rice dish).
In Korean culture, the new year is heralded with a good house cleaning, a bath (or shower) and wearing brand new clothes. Traditional food eaten at this time includes duk kuk, which is a type of white rice soup. This symbolizes becoming one year older and the hope for blessings in the year ahead.
In China, the new year is an immense celebration that can sometimes last longer than two weeks. Cooking and cleaning the house are irreplaceable traditions. John Wong, secretary of the Chinese Benevolent Association, said that all manner of food is consumed during this time, such as oysters or seaweed or "good luck" food.
Although the Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean celebrations differ in some respects, the common value that links them together is the importance of family.
Eunice Oh, president of the Korean Society of BC, compares it to the Christmas holidays, when families gather together.
"For me, the most important thing about the new year is to remember family and gather together," she said. On this day, tribute is also paid to family member long gone by visiting ancestral shrines and praying or bowing.
In Canada, these traditions are not lost. In January, preparations for lunar new year celebrations in Vancouver are well under way.
The Vietnamese-Canadian community held their Lunar New Year celebrations at the Croatian Cultural Centre on Jan. 22. There was a festival with traditional Vietnamese music and dancing. A market was also present with over 30 vendors selling Vietnamese books, food and assorted gifts to visitors.
The annual Vancouver Chinese New Year Parade, organized by the Chinese Benevolent Association, will take place on Feb. 6, starting at noon at the Millennium Gate on Pender St. As in previous years, expect to see colourful lion dance performances, martial arts demonstrations and marching bands.
The Korean Society of BC will be holding their annual parade with dancing and traditional drummer on Feb. 3 along North Road in Coquitlam. A new year banquet for seniors will also be held at the Korean Senior Society Centre.
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