Instead of a location today I will post about a celebration that originated in China that now sees festivities worldwide. Chinese New Year (also referred to as Spring Festival and the Lunar New Year) has its roots dating back centuries. Although unclear the origins, myths and stories abound as does the original date of the first celebrations. Tales of a creature attacking villages on the lunar new year (the lunar calendar is based on the moon orbiting the earth) eventually being frightened off by a child wearing red to a wiseman suggesting firecrackers to ward off the creature has lead to traditions and celebrations. Other stories claim it is a time to honour gods and those who have gone before us generations ago. Despite the origins this is a colourful spectacle that has now traversed the globe.
Any locales with large Chinese (and some other Asian populations) will likely find this fun holiday, Vancouver included. This year the holiday began on January 31 and rings in The Year of the Horse! GUNG HAY FAT CHOY!
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons – Flying Pharmacist
Wanders The World 
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