Chinese Canadians celebrate Chinese New Year amid shifting ties with Beijing

Key Concepts

• Chinese New Year (Spring Festival): The most important traditional Chinese holiday, celebrated with specific customs like dumpling making, lion dances, and red lantern decorations.
• Cultural Transmission: The process of passing down cultural traditions and practices to younger generations and wider communities.
• Diplomatic Relations (Canada-China): The current state of political and economic ties between Canada and China, marked by recent strain and a potential thaw.
• Anti-Asian Hate: The increase in discrimination and violence directed towards people of Asian descent, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Multiculturalism: The presence and acceptance of multiple cultures within a society.
• Strategic Partnership: A collaborative relationship between countries focused on shared goals and mutual benefit.

Montreal’s Chinese New Year: Tradition, Visibility, and Shifting Relations

The Chinese New Year celebrations in Montreal are marked by a growing visibility of Chinese culture, a commitment to cultural transmission, and a backdrop of evolving Canada-China diplomatic relations. The celebrations are taking place amidst a period of reflection, particularly considering the recent surge in anti-Asian hate and the complexities of international politics.

Dumpling Workshop & Cultural Exchange at Selwin House

A key example of this cultural exchange is the dumpling-making workshop held at Selwin House, a private English boys school. Organized for the third consecutive year by Eden Schwarz, the event involves mothers from the Chinese community teaching students – both Asian and non-Asian – the art of making jiaozi (dumplings). Wang, a mother who immigrated from Beijing in 2019, emphasized the importance of sharing this tradition, stating, “This is the most important… festival in China and even we’re in Canada here. We hope we can share this traditional… the activities with the community around us.” She specifically tailored the dumpling fillings to be palatable for a wider audience, avoiding “spicy… weird flavor, weird vegetables inside.” Eden Schwarz highlighted the student-led nature of the event, noting, “Part of my job is helping the students bring their cultural celebrations to life, but I really lean on them to see what they want to do.” The workshop, alongside a lion dance and a presentation on the Chinese zodiac, demonstrates the school’s commitment to acknowledging and celebrating Chinese culture.

Growing Recognition & Demographic Shifts

While not a statutory holiday nationally, Chinese New Year is officially recognized in British Columbia and Toronto. Furthermore, Canada Post has issued special stamps commemorating the holiday for the past 12 years. This recognition reflects the significant growth of the Chinese population in Canada. Statistics reveal a more than doubling of the Chinese population, increasing from under 1 million in the mid-1990s to over 1.7 million in 2021. In Montreal, attendance at Chinese New Year events in Chinatown has been steadily increasing, showcasing the city’s multicultural character.

Canada-China Relations & Community Impact

Relations between Canada and China have been strained since the 2018 arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou. However, recent developments suggest a potential improvement. In January, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited Beijing and met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, resulting in a joint statement announcing a new strategic partnership. Observers, as reported, were surprised by “the scope, the breadth and the tone” of the agreement and its “open-ended nature.” This diplomatic shift occurs as Canada faces economic pressure from the United States, including tariffs and political tensions.

Sociology professor Chen Xiao argues that improved diplomatic ties can alleviate anxieties within the Chinese community, who have experienced stigmatization, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. She noted a positive reaction on social media, with people expressing, “Oh, finally, right? Finally, something is… is turning.” The diplomatic reset, therefore, provides an additional reason for celebration within Montreal’s Chinese community.

Strategic Partnership Definition: A strategic partnership is a collaborative agreement between two or more parties (often countries) that aims to advance shared interests and goals. These partnerships typically involve long-term commitments and cooperation in areas such as trade, security, and cultural exchange.

Jiaozi (饺子): Chinese dumplings, traditionally eaten during Chinese New Year, symbolizing wealth and prosperity due to their shape resembling ancient Chinese money.

Conclusion

The Chinese New Year celebrations in Montreal represent more than just a cultural event; they are a demonstration of cultural resilience, community building, and the evolving relationship between Canada and China. The growing visibility of these celebrations, coupled with a potential easing of diplomatic tensions, offers a positive outlook for the Chinese community in Montreal and across Canada. The emphasis on cultural transmission, exemplified by the dumpling workshop, ensures that these traditions will continue to thrive for generations to come.