Lunar New Year 2023 takes place on Sunday January 22nd. It is the first day in the Asian traditional calendar. 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit, the fourth animal in the Chinese zodiac and considered to be the luckiest. If you were born in 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999 and 2011, then this is your year. The rabbit represents courage, kindness and patience.
Lunar New Year is a holiday that marks the start of a new lunar cycle and is rich with customs meant to attract good luck in the year to come. Our best friends celebrate by inviting their close circle out to dinner, and prior to the pandemic we would enjoy a feast at Asian Legend in Don Mills (there is a location in downtown Toronto as well.)
Our host would give us money in a little red envelope because in Chinese culture that is a way of sharing your blessings. The dinner surrounded by friends with the hope and promise of a brand new year ahead is a wonderful way to celebrate.