“Xin Nian Kuai Le†– Seniors Celebrate Chinese Lunar New Year of the Fire Horse
On Monday, February 2 our Marda Loop Seniors enjoyed a vibrant presentation by Ronald Lee, a Canadian-born Chinese descendant who taught English in Calgary high schools for 40 years.
Ronald Lee was awarded the Queen Elizabeth Golden Jubilee Award for community service for his work with Alberta Student Debate Societies. He presented us with a fascinating story of the history of Canadian Chinese immigration. He related historical developments of Calgary’s Chinatown and the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year, the ‘Year of the Fire Horse’.
Ronald’s four trips to China enriched his own background of Chinese culture. He revealed to us that as early as 1788 in Canada, Captain John Meares brought Chinese labourers to BC and Nootka Sound, BC. Other venturers to North America from China arrived in San Francisco, California because of the Gold Rush in 1849. Canada, where the first of several waves of immigration arrived, was called Golden Mountain by newcomers.
After their Canadian Pacific Railway work, Chinese immigrants turned to agriculture and small business to flourish. Ronald displayed his family’s primary documents, referencing the Chinese Head Tax, Exclusion Act or Chinese Immigration Act of 1923 which limited Chinese voting rights, family unification, and their freedom of movement. Despite hardship, Chinese family restaurants, dry cleaning, and corner stores were established in many Western Canadian small towns, adding to the culture of the west.
Before finding a permanent city of Calgary location near the Bow River on 4 Avenue southeast, early Chinatown residences and businesses were moved three times to avoid community conflict. In recent years, it has seen many efforts of revitalization including the building of the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre, restaurants, and shopping malls on Centre Street East.
Having guided the first group tours of Calgary’s Chinatown, our speaker invited us to experience the Dragon Dance during upcoming Lunar New Year festivities for the Year of the Horse at the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre. This year, free family events including Lion Dances were offered in February.
Starting on February 17, the ‘Year of the Fire Horse’ lasts for 15 days of events. Gift-giving and red envelopes filled with money known as ‘Hong Pao’ in Mandarin are a cherished tradition in many parts of Asia. Red symbolizes good fortune and joy, a prominent feature of the Lunar New Year. From money received in ‘Hong Pao’, the famous red packet, payment is presented to dragon dance performers, employees, and friends representing the virtues of generosity and gratitude.
Family gatherings and banquets include the traditional Dragon, Lion, Snake, or ‘Horse Dance’, bringing good luck, high energy, and prosperity for all generations.
After our morning fitness with Megan, 60 guests enjoyed coffee, Chinese fortune cookies, and red ‘Hong Pao’ envelopes, followed by a draw for Chinese New Year.
Although the Cantonese New Year greeting “Kung Hei Fat Choi†means “Congratulations and may you be prosperous”, the Mandarin term “Xin Nian Kuai Le†wishes “Happy New Year” to family and friends.
Patricia Paterson
Member of “Seniors in the Loopâ€
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