2018: Celebrating the Year of the Dog
Chinese New Year is celebrated by 1/5 of the world’s population, and is a vacation week in China, Hong Kong, Macau, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Singapore. Although Chinese New Year takes place in the middle of winter, it is also known as the Spring Festival because it marks the end of the coldest days of winter. It is a time of new beginnings and fresh starts, when Asians around the world settle their differences, make up, and reconnect with acquaintances of the past.
“Chunyun” – The Largest Human Migration in the World
In the period leading up to Chinese New Year, China and other parts of Asia see extreme numbers of people traveling, taking a break from their work or studies to be with family for New Year’s Eve dinner. This well-known period, called “Chunyun”, usually begins 15 days before New Year’s Day and lasts for weeks afterwards. During this time, Asians take billions of trips by land, air, rail, and sea, in the largest annual migration in the world.
Hangzhou East railway station located in Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China, began its operations in 1992 and was rebuilt as a high-speed rail hub in 2010. It’s now one of the largest railway stations in Asia.
The Chinese Zodiac – Which Animal Are You?
The Chinese zodiac involves a 12-year cycle, with a specific animal representing each year. According to Chinese mythology, the origin of the zodiac resulted from a great race between the animals. The specific order of the zodiac is based on how each of the animals performed in the race. 2018 is the Year of the Dog. Those born this year are described as clever, loyal, heroic, responsible, lively, and courageous. Which animal are you? Find your birth year on the list below:
Year of the Rat: The Rat is generous, imaginative and charming.
2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960
Year of the Ox: The Ox is conservative, confident, and a born leader.
2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961
Year of the Tiger: The Tiger is sensitive, emotional and capable of great love.
2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962
Year of the Rabbit: The Rabbit is kind, affectionate and pleasant.
2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963
Year of the Dragon: The Dragon is a gifted perfectionist, enthusiastic and popular.
2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964
Year of the Snake: The Snake is intuitive, deep-thinking and wise.
2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965
Year of the Horse: The Horse is friendly, independent and hardworking.
2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966
Year of the Goat: The Goat is artistic, elegant and charming.
2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967
Year of the Monkey: The Monkey is intelligent, with a magnetic personality, and well-liked.
2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968
Year of the Rooster: The Rooster is a dreamer, a decision-maker and a flashy dresser.
2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969
Year of the Dog: The Dog is courageous, loyal and heroic.
2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970
Year of the Pig: The Pig is honest, sincere and tolerant.
2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971
New Year’s Red Envelopes
Gifts are exchanged during the Spring Festival and children receive red envelopes containing lucky money. Giving red envelopes symbolizes the sharing of good fortune from the elders to the younger generation. Red envelopes are also given between friends, bosses, employees, and co-workers.
Canadians Celebrate Chinese New Year
There are many events planned across Canada and we have lots of products to make your Chinese New Year celebrations unforgettable! It’s impossible to name all the events and celebrations, so here’s a quick peek at what’s going on across the country:
In Vancouver, there are a number of events planned, including the 45th Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Parade on February 18, and the Gold Ocean Lunar Fest Mingle 2018 on February 17th. Highlights of this event include a Chinese Couture fashion show, tea ceremony, waist drumming, and Chinese calligraphy.
Vancouver Chinese New Year Parade 2017. Image Source: Samir D / 604 Now
In Calgary, the Chinese Cultural Centre Association will hold its Chinese New Year Festival 2018 on February 17th and 18th. There will be something for everyone, including special performances of traditional lion and dragon dancing, martial arts demonstrations, and colourful Chinese lantern displays.
Calgary Chinese New Year Festival 2017. Image Source: Goldenjade Photography
In Toronto, the Chinatown BIA will host its Chinese New Year Celebration on February 17th and 18th. The event promises traditional games, food, dancing, as well as fortune telling.
Toronto Chinese New Year Celebration 2017. Image Source: Toronto Chinatown BIA
For more information or to attend these events – or others in your community – take a look at the links below:
Vancouver
Chinese Benevolent Association of Vancouver
Gold Ocean Lunar Fest Mingle 2018
Lunar New Year Festival – Vancouver / Richmond
Calgary
Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre
Toronto
Chinatown BIA
Edmonton
Edmonton Chinatown Multi-Cultural Centre
Montreal
How to Celebrate Chinese New Year in Montreal
Celebrate Chinese New Year in Montreal 2018
Ottawa
Chinatown Ottawa
Planning your own event? We’d love to help! At The Flag Shop, we’ve been helping our clients celebrate Chinese New Year for over 45 years, with a variety of offerings to help you ring in the New Year!
Happy Chinese New Year!
We carry many Chinese flag products, such as paper flags, stick flags, and tattoos.