Chinese New Year (also known as chunjie 春节, or the Spring Festival) begins today and culminates on the 15th of February 2022 with the Lantern Festival. Chinese New Year marks the transition between zodiac signs and 2022 is the year of the Tiger. Originally, the Spring Festival was a ceremonial day to pray to the gods for fruitful plantings and a harvest season. The harvest was important for China, an agrarian society. Chinese children receive red envelopes containing money, which symbolises the transfer of fortune from the elders to the children. Chinese New Year is particularly symbolic to Sea Society’s Vice-President Luke, who was born in Vancouver to Chinese parents. We wish all our Chinese friends a happy and safe festive season!
