Remembering and Renewing Ourselves Through Rituals and Traditions

Cultural celebrations and traditions are key aspects to Chinese Canadian cultural identities. This can include celebrating in private or public spaces, performing personal to ceremonial rituals, or involving both the younger and older generations. This past year of the pandemic has made it hard for friends, family, and community members to gather and celebrate with the exception of two events we wish to highlight for you today: 

Hosted by LSG co-chair Mike Tan of Chau Luen Athletics Club, Hua Foundation, and Chinatown Today, Oxpicious Lunar New Year was an online celebration of Lunar New Year in the beginning of 2021.

Later in September of 2021, the Fire Dragon festival hosted by the City of Vancouver’s Chinatown Legacy Stewardship Group, in collaboration with the Vancouver Chinatown BIA Society, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, the Chinese Cultural Centre and Chinatown Society Heritage Building Associations was another successful celebration that helped Vancourites reconnect with Chinatown and its local food, art, and culture. 

Both projects were examples of community individuals and organizations working together to find innovative means to celebrate the important festival that is traditionally celebrated with family and relatives.

Learn more about the lions dances by Chau Luen Athletics on their website.

Video Edited by Kristy Lin‍