Vancouver’s Diverse Community Celebrates Lunar New Year, Impacting Students
The celebration of Lunar New Year in Vancouver highlights the city’s vibrant cultural diversity. This year’s celebration took place on February 17, marking the year of the horse. Students were engaged with traditional activities, experiencing crafts and cultural art forms from various countries.
Lunar New Year: A Global Celebration
Countries such as Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, Korea, and China commonly observe the Lunar New Year. This event aims to educate students about the diversity of cultures that celebrate this festival.
Traditional Activities
- Wishing tree
- Chunlian (traditional New Year couplets)
- Origami folding
These activities allowed students to connect with different cultural traditions and appreciate their significance. One of the event volunteers, Max Paez, an international student from the Philippines, expressed his passion for Lunar New Year festivities.
Cultural Reflections from Volunteers
Paez shared insights from his own cultural practices, including Bahay Tinsoy, a Filipino celebration emphasizing rebirth and renewal. He recounted, “We celebrated a lot back home, and my family are big on it.” Food plays a significant role in these gatherings.
- Pansit (Filipino stir-fry noodles)
Paez emphasized that these festive dishes evoke cherished memories of family gatherings and shared meals.
Impact on Students
Vancouver’s cultural variety influenced Paez’s decision to study in the city. He stated, “One of the reasons I chose to go to Vancouver over anywhere else is because of how diverse it is.” His experiences enriched his understanding of global cultures.
Community Engagement
Yvanna Scott, a student engagement coordinator, stressed the importance of events like the Lunar New Year celebration. She aims to shed light on the multitude of cultures that observe this festive occasion.
Scott noted, “I think there is that perception where it’s [only] Chinese New Year. There are so many different cultures that actually celebrate the Lunar New Year.” Her goal is to continue such programs at SFU to foster cultural awareness.
The collaborative efforts for organizing this event reflect the commitment to inclusivity and community bonding. Paez expressed pride in the work that goes into holding these celebrations. He remarked, “All the effort that’s put in holding these events for our community and for the students, they’re all really well thought out.”
Ultimately, the Lunar New Year celebration not only highlights the significance of tradition but also strengthens the sense of community among students at SFU. Events like these play a crucial role in creating a culturally rich educational environment.
