Happy Lunar New Year!
Dear colleagues and friends,
Many Canadians across the country will gather on January 29 with family and friends to celebrate Lunar New Year. They will welcome the arrival of the Year of the Wood Snake, which symbolizes happiness, wealth and wisdom. According to Chinese lunisolar calendar, they will welcome the year 4723!
Lunar New Year - also known as Chinese New Year, the Spring Festival (春節), Tết in Vietnam (tet̚˧˦), and Seollal in Korea (설날) - falls on the first day of the first month of the lunar calendar. This traditional holiday, one of the most important for Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese communities, as well as members of many other East Asian communities, is a time to reflect on the past year. It is also a time to celebrate the coming year with festive activities and celebrations.
For generations, Chinese and other East Asian Canadians have made important contributions to communities across the country – and this year has been no different. More recently, many have worked on the frontlines of the global COVID-19 pandemic to keep us all safe and healthy. From donating personal protective equipment to supporting seniors, Chinese and other East Asian community organizations have also contributed to fighting this virus and supporting their fellow Canadians.
Today is an opportunity to honour their contributions to making our country a better place for everyone. It is also an opportunity to recognize that anti-Asian racism still exists, including here in Canada. Together, let’s reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive Canada, celebrate the diversity that makes us strong, and continue to fight discrimination and hatred in all its forms.
Let’s extend our warmest wishes to everyone celebrating Lunar New Year! We hope the Year of the Wood Snake will be a year of happiness, wealth and wisdom for all of us.
If you would like that we highlight a cultural event to create awareness about the rich cultural diversity of Canada, please do not hesitate to write to me. That way, we all learn about each other, to promote mutual understanding, respect and collaboration.
Stay safe, stay well!
Respectfully,
Waheed Khan
President, National Consultation Team