THE Chinese New Year celebrations in Canada are a peculiar one. Most dress as Chinese dancers but a few dress in costumes of other countries. There are even a group of dancers dressed in Scottish kilts. In fact, other cultures have joined in the celebration such as aboriginal groups from the United States, ethnic groups from the Philippines and even cops from the Vancouver Police Department performing a lion dance.

Celebration for the Chinese New Year here is so strong that the Canadian government has even contemplated it as a national holiday. Well in a way, it can be so. Because of the multi-ethnicity of the celebration, it is promoted by the Canadian government to harness tourists from all over the world. And indeed it is. Because half of Canada speak English while the other half speaks French, lots of foreigners are curious to go to the country. For example, there are lots of Filipino and Zimbabwean exchange students there. And in time for the Chinese New Year, the Canadian Post has released a special commemorative stamp for the purpose.
On a more personal level, families gather here in Canada during Chinese New Year celebrations as a reunion. It’s akin to Thanksgiving or Boxing Day for the Chinese-Canadians here in Canada. But instead of turkey, the Chinese-Canadians make do with Chinese food such as chop suey and fortune cookies. They even have these nine types of vegetable dishes where Chinese-Canadians indulge and they are healthier than any South Beach or Atkins diet. Aside from vegetables, they also have seaweeds as viands.

For the Chinese-Canadians, the Chinese New Year celebrations are also a time to usher in spring break. Actually, half of the Chinese here are already Christians while the other half still retains their Confucianism beliefs. So they also believe in feng shui naturally. During Chinese New Year, they also have this ritual in pouring wine and showering oneself with incense.

It is understood that Chinese New Year celebrations here in Canada are not confined in Toronto alone. They are also present in the French-speaking regions of the country such as Montreal. In Montreal, there are also celebrations there as well. Please note too that most of the Chinese-Canadians who are here are already part of four or five generations who descend from Chinese immigrants. Thus, they are able to speak French already. Still, there are people who insist on tradition and the Chinese-Canadians have their own way of being industrious. They are already erecting Mandarin language schools here in several parts of Canada, both in the English-speaking and French-speaking areas.

For the Chinese-Canadians in Montreal, their celebration comes complete with the mascot of a rat because 2008 is the Year of the Earth Rat. It is the first animal in the cycle of years so it’s supposed to bring good tidings to everyone in the Chinese-Canadian community and in all Chinese communities worldwide. Kung hei fat choi everybody!