The Lunar New Year (which occurs every year on the new moon of the first lunar month) is a very important time for the Chinese and Asian communities. This day is celebrated with different traditions, such as giving loved ones “lucky money” in red envelopes, cleaning one’s home signifying “getting rid of the old and welcoming the new,” as well as celebrating with other colourful festivities and delicious food.
A boisterous tradition of the Lunar New Year is the lion and dragon dance. Acrobatic performers wear colourful costumes that resemble mythical creatures believed to scare away bad luck to bring good fortune.
Some of the other traditions that surround Chinese New Year are of the tasty kind. The Chinese are superstitious, and this is reflected in the foods that are served on New Year’s Day.
Dumplings
You may think the shapes of dumplings are arbitrary, but there is a meaning behind how these savory little delights are wrapped. Dumplings are made in the shape of gold and silver ingots and it’s said that the more dumplings you eat on New Year’s Day, the luckier you’ll be. So if you’re looking to load up on dumplings in the auspicious name of fortune, check out some of my favorite Montréal dumpling shops like Qing Hua, Restaurant Yi Pin Xiang, Sammi & Soupe Dumpling, Mai Xiang Yuan, Jiu Xiang Yuan and Harbin Dumpling. Also, check out some of the city’s best dim sum offerings if you’re feeling for more than just dumplings: Ruby Rouge, Imperial Restaurant, Kim Fung and Chez Chine.
Fish
Another auspicious food eaten on New Year’s Day is fish. The pronunciation of fish in Chinese is a homonym for “abundance”, and this meal is considered to be lucky. Prepared in different ways, fish is always served with the head and tail on as it represents a “beginning and end.” Check out Chinatown’s Maison Kim Fung, Keung Kee and Mon Nan as well at Maison Foo Lam, for some of the freshest seafood around – their live tanks can attest to the quality of food that they serve.
Noodles
Noodles are also a favorite food eaten on New Year’s Day. Noodles should never be cut, the longer the better. Long noodles represent longevity and the long and prosperous year you’ll have. There is nothing better then fresh noodles hand-pulled right before your very eyes. Be sure to visit Nouilles de Lan Zhou, Nouilles Zhonghua and restaurant Noodle Factory, where you can pick the style of noodles for your meal.
Sweets
From fresh fruits that symbolize luck and fortune, to pastries and desserts, sweets are also some very auspicious things to eat to ring in the new year. Favourite desserts during this time of year are glutinous rice cakes and sweet rice balls. When said in Chinese “glutinous rice cake” is a homonym for “great success in business” and sweet rice balls are representative of togetherness. Check out local bakeries Pâtisserie Harmonie, Pâtisserie Coco, or La Reine Pâtisserie for these sweet treats.
Join the Chinese community and take part in the festivities
Chinatown is celebrating the year of the rabbit with a weekend full of activities. The Asian Night Market will have its first edition of the Marché de Nuit Asiatique from January 20 to 22 in Sun-Yat Sen park. You can enjoy a varied and free program, mixing traditional and cultural activities, and even admire hundreds of traditional lanterns by artist Karen Tam, Dragons Chasing the Moon. On January 20 and 21, La station de l'avenir, a mobile digital creation space will be set up in the square. Don't forget the parade on January 21 on de La Gauchetière Street between Saint-Laurent Boulevard and Jeanne-Mance Street, passing by Sakura Park. The parade will end with a show on Sun-Yat Sen park. On January 22, check out the dragon and lion dances throughout Chinatown.
May the Year of the Rabbit be prosperous and fruitful and bring you health, wealth and happiness. Gung hei fat choy!
