Ten days into the new year, did you already abandon your resolutions?
Not to fret, because, although the world might have already welcomed a new year according to the Gregorian calendar (used in majority of the countries including Canada), other calendars have yet to mark new beginnings.
On Jan. 22, you will have a second chance to keep up your New Year resolutions, according to the lunisolar calendar.
The Lunar New Year (also called as Chinese New Year or the Spring festival) is celebrated by people from many Asian countries like China, Thailand, Japan, Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and Vietnam.
The year 2023 will bid goodbye to the roaring tiger and welcome the Year of Rabbit.
The rabbit is known to be the luckiest zodiac of all the twelve in the Chinese culture — signifying prosperity, hope and calm.
Looking for ways to ring in Lunar New Year?
From Jan. 22 until Feb. 5, Metropolis at Metrotown will host cultural workshops, live entertainment and dances to celebrate.
Expect to walk into a place decorated with lanterns and cherry blossoms during the celebrations when you go to Metrotown for your next shopping fix.
In addition to the decor, you can also expect to indulge in some traditional Chinese delectables at Chef Tony’s Dim Sum or grab some authentic Chinese fare like a snack box with seeds, candy and lotus from T&T Supermarket. The mall is also host to Tong Ren Tang, where you could get your hands on some traditional Chinese herbs.
Marking the Lunar New Year festivities, the mall has also organized a variety of art workshops including traditional Chinese calligraphy and paper cutting for all ages. On Jan. 23, learn the art of tea making at the Tea Master Workshop hosted by the Grand Court in Metrotown between noon and 2 p.m.. On Feb. 1, a Noodle Master Workshop is expected to take place at the same time for you learn all about your favourite slurpy food. The workshops are free, and for every workshop participant, the mall will donate $5 to Angels on Earth Society, a Burnaby-based charity providing cultural education to students at no cost with a focus on different elements of Chinese culture
Shoppers can witness the art of storytelling through dance performances every weekend (Friday to Sunday) between Jan. 22 and Feb. 5. A special Lion Dance will be performed to bring prosperity and luck for the upcoming year on Jan. 25 at 10 a.m..
And on Feb. 4, shoppers can expect Oriental Philharmonic Choir Society to perform a two-hour concert.
The God of Wealth in Chinese culture, Tsai Shen Yeh, is said to bring good fortune for those who display the deity’s photo in their house. Shoppers at the Metrotown mall will get a chance to have a photo taken with the God of Wealth himself.
If you have a big shopping list to check off, this would be a good time to embrace the shopaholic in you — shoppers who spend $188 or more before tax during the festivities will get a chance to win a $20 gift on presenting their receipt the same day.
And if you want to shop for a cause, this is your chance.
For every shopper who spins the wheel for lucky money, another $5 will be donated to the Angels on Earth Society charity.
