The deafening bang of exploding firecrackers.
Magnificent flowing silk dragons and streamers in the street. Lanterns and fires. Opulent feasts of auspicious-sounding dishes and sweets. Red envelopes stuffed with cash doled out to bowing children.
These are the vibrant images of Lunar New Year.
According to ancient legends, Lunar New Year started with a fight against a cruel and ferocious beast called the Nian who would come on the first day of New Year to devour livestock, crops and villagers.
However, it was discovered that the Nian feared the colour red, the light of fire and loud noise, so to protect themselves, villagers pasted red-paper couplets on doors, lit torches and set off firecrackers throughout the night.
Villagers would also put food offerings in front of their doors. Early the next morning, if the village was successful in keeping Nian away for another year, triumph and renewal filled the air.
China rings in the Lunar New Year in a big way. The single most important holiday in the country, the festivities begin on the first new moon of the new year and last for 15 days.
It’s a time for renewal, family gatherings, eating rich, exotic foods, and paying respect to your ancestors and elders. What you do and how you act during the period is crucial in determining how the rest of your year will go. Red is used in New Year celebrations as an emblem of joy and symbol of virtue, truth and sincerity.
Lunar New Year is celebrated all across Asia, but each celebration takes on a diverse flavour. In Korea, the Lunar New Year celebration is part of a month-long vacation and matchmaking fest among the Hmong that features important family time, ancestor worship and lots of rich food.
The Vietnamese ring in Tet Nguyen Dan with plenty of food, fun and positive actions. They believe your actions during those crucial first days of the new year will set the tone for the rest of the year. Celebrants avoid arguments, smile and give generous gifts of ripe fruits, delicate rice cakes and red envelopes stuffed with cash. People also clean their homes from top to bottom, pay off old debts and buy or make a new set of clothes. It’s all about getting a fresh new start and kicking off a new beginning in a positive way.
Lunar New Year traditions are also enjoyed in Taiwan, Japan, Tibet, Indonesia and in Asian communities across the world. But there’s one common theme that takes centre stage for all Lunar New Year celebrations: family.
New Year’s is a time for family reunions, social gatherings, reflection and reaffirming bonds.
In honour of these rich traditions and in recognition of the important Chinese community that was part of Cumberland’s early years, the Cumberland Museum is inviting neighbours and friends from across the Comox Valley for an evening celebration of Lunar New Year 2011 — The Year of the Rabbit.
This very special event takes place on Saturday, Feb. 12 at the Cumberland Cultural Centre at 6 p.m. The evening will feature a Lunar New Year buffet, bar, door prizes, silent auction, speakers and special guests, and amazing live entertainment from magician Rod Chow.
Chow is an international champion magician who has performed across Canada, U.S.A. and Asia. He has been described as “unique, mind-blowing, sophisticated and world-class.”
Chow’s father and his family were originally from Cumberland Chinatown and ran the Chow Lee store, a significant early Cumberland landmark still seen today on the false front of the Cumberland Cultural Centre. Chow’s performance is a special gift to Cumberland and an opportunity to honour his parents.
Tickets are on sale now at Cumberland Museum and at Home and Garden Gate (Courtenay and Cumberland locations). Adult tickets are $25, kids 12 and younger $15.
Cumberland’s Lunar New Year Celebration is presented by Cumberland Museum and Archives in partnership with Cumberland Chamber of Commerce, Village of Cumberland, Home and Garden Gate and Panda Gardens.
To reserve now, call 250-336-2445 or e-mail info@cumberlandmuseum.ca.