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EIGHT AUSPICIOUS WAYS TO CELEBRATE CHINESE NEW YEAR IN RICHMOND BC
01-31-2013
Canada’s most Asian city charms visitors with Year of the Snake festivities Richmond, BC, Canada (January 31, 2013) – Red and gold streamers, tasseled lanterns and paper-cut snake motifs are appearing in shop windows across Richmond, BC – home to Canada’s largest per-capita population of Chinese descendants. In 2013 Chinese New Year, also called the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, falls on Sunday, February 10 and is the largest celebration of the year for many cultures throughout Asia. Richmond plays host to one of the most extensive two-week Chinese New Year celebrations and offers visitors an authentic taste of traditional Lunar New Year festivities – minus the jetlag. Thousands will flock to Richmond’s Golden Village - with its glitzy malls and acclaimed Chinese restaurants – to welcome the Year of the Snake with fireworks, well-wishing rituals, live music, new year countdown, Chinese flower and gift fairs, colourful lion and dragon dances and, of course, delicious authentic food. In fact, Richmond is famous for having the best Chinese food outside of China. Here are the top, lucky number 8, ways to celebrate Chinese New Year in Richmond:
NEWS RELEASE: 1.31.13
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Food is central to Chinese New Year celebrations. It’s believed that eating auspicious foods like whole fish and lettuce wraps will bring fortune and good luck. There are over 400 Asian eateries in Richmond to satiate cravings for traditional fare: from rich Peking duck, symbolizing togetherness and fidelity, to sweet sticky rice, representing a family’s commitment to stick together throughout the year. For many families, the elaborate Chinese New Year’s Eve feast is the most important meal of the year as it’s an occasion for reunions and giving thanks. Award-winning Richmond restaurants like Fisherman’s Terrace, Shanghai River, Jade Seafood and Suhang offer special set menus for groups to enjoy sumptuous 10 to 12-course meals. To guarantee a table, it’s recommended to make reservations at least one week in advance.
2. Shop for lucky plum blossoms
It’s customary that during Chinese New Year every household should display blooming plants to symbolize rebirth and new growth. Visiting a traditional flower market is a must in the week leading up to New Year’s Day, and there are no shortages of flower and gift fairs throughout Richmond. One of Richmond’s most popular shopping destinations is Aberdeen Centre, the most Asian mall outside of Asia. Its Chinese New Year Flower & Gift Fair runs from February 6 to 11, offering shoppers plenty of time to stock up on gifts of good omen. Wandering through the many merchandise stalls visitors will spot sweet oranges, tangerines, colourful flowers, exotic plants and a variety of decorations and gift items like sparkling jadeware and bead bracelets. Hoping 2013 will be a lucky year? Be sure to seek out plum blossoms or sunflowers, both symbolizing luckiness.
3. Awaken your inner Buddha
To increase blessings and happiness in the coming year, one should immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of Richmond’s exhilarating International Buddhist Temple during one of the Temple’s most exciting times of the year. Modeled after the Forbidden City in Beijing, it is the second largest Buddhist temple in North America and each year draws a quarter of a million visitors. Year round, the Temple welcomes worshipers and visitors of all faiths and beliefs to join in prayer and meditation sessions. In addition to special prayer ceremonies on New Year’s Eve, the Temple will feature special Chinese New Year festivities from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on February 6 to 10, including traditional vegetarian snacks in the Taste of Zen café, a Flower & Gift Fair, Chinese calligraphy and more. Items purchased at the site may bring the buyer a little extra luck, with all proceeds benefitting the Temple.
4. Meet Gods and dragons
They’re called "hong bao" in Mandarin or "lei see" in Cantonese – literally "red envelope", these popular packets are stuffed with money (should be of even numbers) and handed out as wishes of good fortune in the coming year. The God of Fortune will be handing out red envelopes throughout Richmond, including during the New Year's Day celebrations on February 10 at Yaohan Centre at 10:00 a.m., Aberdeen Centre at 11:00 a.m., and Richmond Centre mall at 12:00 p.m. However, the real attraction on these days is the majestic dragon or lion dances which are not only dramatic displays of athleticism, but are believed to evict evil spirits.
5. Devour dumplings
Dumplings are another food rich in symbolism; shaped like ancient Chinese money representing wealth and prosperity, dumplings are one of the most important foods during the New Year festivities. One of the best ways to try a tasty variety of dumplings is at a traditional dim sum meal. With a population that is 45 per cent Chinese, Richmond knows how to dim sum like no other city in North America with delectable bites like ‘har gao’ (shrimp dumplings) and ‘char siu bao’ (steamed pork buns) along with a myriad of other dishes served on small plates or out of steaming baskets. Book a table at acclaimed Sea Harbour Seafood or Sun Sui Wah and indulge in this tasty tradition.
6. Decorate with red and gold
Red and gold are the dominant colors of Chinese New Year deco
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