Chinese New Year 2009 in Toronto

Chinese New Year 2009 in Toronto - The Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year is the most important traditional Chinese holiday. It is based on a lunar calendar that begins on the first day of the first lunar month and ends 15 days later. In 2009 the Chinese New Year will start on January 26^th. Lunar years are also associated with one of the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac. This coming year means leaving behind the year of the rat for the year of the ox. Those born during the year of the Ox are said to be intelligent, responsible, and honest but also can be stubborn, critical, and petty. The Chinese New Year has been celebrated for centuries and the exact date of origin is unknown. Chinese mythology details the beginning of the Chinese New Year as a time when a mythical beast called a "Nian" would descend from the mountains and devour crops and children. In order to placate the Nian, villagers would place food outside their doors at the beginning of the New Year. One legend has it that one year the Nian was scared off by child wearing red and the next year the villagers hung red lanterns and scrolls as well as setting off firecrackers to that kept the Nian away. This practice has carried on to the present day with the use of the color red in decoration and clothing and the setting off of fireworks. Dragon and Lion Dances are also performed during New Year's celebrations in order to drive away evil spirits. Celebrations of the Chinese New Year are held all around the world wherever there are large populations of ethnic Chinese. Toronto has one of the most diverse populations in Canada with ethnic Chinese making up its biggest visible minority and celebrations of the Chinese New Year can be found throughout the city.

The Chinese Cultural Center of Greater Toronto (CCC) has a number of events planned and is good resource for the celebrations of the Chinese New Year in Toronto. Here is a listing of some events already scheduled.

January 18, 2009: Chinese New year Celebration at Royal Ontario Museum

From 12:00pm, to 5:00pm at the Royal Ontario Museum. Open to the public.

January 25, 2009: Chinese New year Celebration at CCC

From 12:00pm, to 5:00pm at the CCC Multi-purpose Hall. Open to the public.

January 27, 2009: Year of the Ox Banquet at CCC

The annual dinner for members of the CCC is also open to the public.

Tickets are $39 (regular) or $50 for a corporate table.

January 31, 2009: Rolex presents: A Chinese New Year Celebration with Chan Hon Goh, Prima Ballerina of The National Ballet of Canada, and Friends

Starts at 7:30pm at the CCC PC Ho Theater

Tickets start at $30 up to $100 for VIP.

The NDTV Divine Performing Arts Chinese Spectacular is held at the John Bassett Theatre on the following dates and times. Ticket prices start at $30 up to $150

January 8, 2009 7:30 PM

January 9, 2009 7:30 PM

January 10, 2009 2:00 PM

January 10, 2009 7:30 PM

January 11, 2009 2:00 PM

January 13, 2009 7:30 PM

January 14, 2009 7:30 PM

This was just a few of events already planed for Chinese New Year in Toronto. Whether you go out and enjoy the city or stay at home with family I hope you enjoy the celebration and have a happy new year.

Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto

5183 Sheppard Avenue East

Scarborough, Ontario

Contact : (416) 292-9293 or email info@cccgt.org

John Bassett Theatre

255 Front Street West

Toronto, Ontario

Buy tickets online from: Ticketmaster

Ticket hotline: 416-248-0244