The dragon has been popular in Hollywood for years, but it has held special significance for Chinese people for millennia because of how woven it is into their culture.
The animal — symbolizing strength, courage and good fortune — is one of the most powerful and revered signs in the Zodiac because emperors believed they were the actual beast, while people today believe they are descendants of the animal.
Another way this creature has been incorporated into Chinese culture is as the fifth sign in the Zodiac. That should excite people because this is the Year of the Dragon, which means cultural groups will be roaring in veneration of the scaly, mythical, divinely inspired animal during their upcoming New Year’s celebrations.
During the past century, the Year of the Dragon was 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012 and now 2024.
The Moose Jaw Chinese Community Network (MJCCN) is the original group that has supported this ethnic community for roughly 140 years. Its goal is to promote culture, assist newcomers with integration, help its members and provide social opportunities to unite young and old ethnic Chinese with the broader community.
This year’s Chinese New Year falls on Saturday, Feb. 10, but the network is holding its 10-course banquet on Monday, Feb. 12, at 6 p.m. at Jade Garden Restaurant. There will be prize draws, while MJCCN members will receive a red envelope with money.
Tickets are $50 and residents can purchase them from Jade Garden (306-694-5566), the Delight Café and Wok (306-692-1889) or by emailing [email protected].
“We are really excited that we are able to continue this annual tradition of hosting a Chinese New Year banquet, especially in the Year of the Dragon,” said president Qiang (Kelvin) Hu.
It’s auspicious that this year’s Zodiac animal is the dragon because tradition indicates this is a time for boldness, enthusiasm and growth, he continued. Furthermore, celebrations are about embracing the spirit of the dragon, striving for excellence and pushing the boundaries of possibilities.
The Chinese New Year celebration focuses on not just the festivities and food but also meaningfully honouring the culture and heritage, which is something the network wants to share, said Hu.
“Among all the activities that our network organizes, this is one that usually attracts the most people,” he stated.
For a second straight year, there will not be a traditional Lion Dance. Hu noted that the costume is old and requires repairs. Moreover, because the network wants to host as many people as it can in the restaurant, there is no room for it to manoeuvre.
The Lion Dance was a major highlight at the banquet years ago, with the network enlisting youths to operate the costume and visit every table so participants could stick into the lion’s mouth either heads of lettuce or red envelopes filled with money.
“I’m kind of a little bit disappointed we won’t be able to feature this performance this year, but … every year, this event is sold out,” said Hu. “We have people begging for more tickets, but we have (fire code) regulations we have to adhere to.”
The banquet features slightly different foods every year, with 10 main courses and two desserts.
This year, the dishes include crab meat and fish maw soup in egg white, deep-fried chicken, black truffle and bacon fried rice, honey-glazed roast pork, crystal peach ribs Kyoto style, amber walnuts with crispy shrimp, stir-fried fish fillets with kidney beans and pine nuts, braised Shanghai Bok Choy with Shiitake mushrooms, Chu Hou beef brisket pot, stir-fried fresh Shiitake mushrooms with crispy melon, a fruit plate and brownie cake.
Visit https://moosejawchinese.com for further information.
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