Chinese Celebrations with Mandarin Restaurants. Chinese New Year occurs on February 1st in 2022 and is the year of the Tiger. Why does the date for Chinese New Year change each year and what does a tiger have to do with it?
The Chinese Lunar Calendar, which is based on cycles of the moon and sun and is generally 21–51 days behind the Gregorian (internationally-used) calendar. The Tiger is the third of the Chinese Zodiacs and is a symbol of bravery and courage. Those who are born in the year of the Tiger are natural leaders.
We wanted to learn and understand more about the tradition, customs and celebration of Chinese New Year, so we reached out to our friends at Mandarin Restaurant who we thank for sharing their time and knowledge with us.
Tradition and Customs
The uniting of people over customs and rituals are what makes coming together over holidays special. For Chinese New Year, a time to relax and enjoy spending time visiting/reuniting with family and friends, a few of these traditions and customs include:
Families celebrate by wearing new clothes.
Setting off firecrackers and fireworks to celebrate.
Red couplets (a pair of end-rhymed lines of verse that are self-contained in grammatical structure) are showcased on doors to symbolize happiness and prosperity.
Red envelopes are given to younger generations to celebrate Chinese New Year.
On the Menu for Chinese New Year
At Chinese New Year, many families make and eat dumplings. Dumplings are celebratory, a symbol of prosperity and good fortune. These little stuffed parcels are made of unleavened dough and a variety of savoury fillings.
Fish is usually served as well on Chinese New Year. The Chinese word for fish is “yú”，which sounds the same as the Chinese character meaning “extra” and “abundance”. That there will always be enough. This is one of the reasons that many families eat fish to celebrate Chinese New Year.
Chicken is also a popular choice for Chinese New Year. The Chinese word for Chicken is “jī”，which sounds the same as the Chinese character meaning good luck. So many people eat chicken to celebrate the new year and for good luck.
Celebrated food flavours differ by region in China. Chinese New Year however, like Mandarin, is always a celebration of taste, flavour, food, and selection.
Join the Celebration
Chinese New Year gives people hope for a fresh start and new beginnings. People wish each other a Happy New Year and prosperity for the coming new year. Mandarin Restaurants have a storied reputation of being a welcoming place where staff work hard to spread happiness to their customers all year long. Mandarin’s mission is to make everyone happy and smiling.
Just like Chinese New Year, Mandarin offers connection, renewing of traditions, and ways to celebrate big moments. At Pelee Island Winery, we are honoured to be a part of the Chinese New Year celebrations at Mandarin by working with them to provide Pelee Island Merlot VQA and Pelee Island Sauvignon Blanc VQA, available with Take-Out for $19.99 / 750mL bottle from January 12 – February 28.
Celebrate Chinese New Year with Mandarin!
Mandarin is offering a variety of special dumplings for Chinese New Year Special from January 12 – February 28. Har Gow – Steamed Shrimp, Siu Mai – Steamed Pork, Pan Fried Chicken, Vegetable, Pork & Cabbage and Beef Potstickers.
In addition, when you order $58 or more before tax on Take-Out and Mandarin Delivery, you will receive a free order of 8 Beef Potstickers, while supplies last. Please visit their website for updates on Dine-In availability.
MENTION WINE FOR TAKE OUT $19.99 BOTTLE? 10% OFF TAKE OUT?
Cheers!
ABOUT MANDARIN
Mandarin Restaurants was founded by James Chiu, George Chiu, K.C. Chang, and Diana Chiu on December 8, 1979. After gaining many years of restaurant experience in Montreal and New York, they moved to Ontario, Canada in 1979 and purchased a small restaurant with Chinese-Canadian décor offering à-la-carte, take-out, and delivery. The restaurant was called “Mandarin” and on that day history was made. Mandarin has 29 Ontario locations to proudly serve you. Visit www.mandarinrestaurant.com, connect with Mandarin on social media – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, or sign up for their Free e-newsletter The Mandarin Dish.
Pssttt… Don’t forget! While you’re here to sign up for our Birthday Club and receive a $20 Gift Voucher for your birthday!