Today is Winter Solstice. It is a significant time for many cultures around the world. In Chinese, it is called Dong Zhi in mandarin. As a chilld growing up in Vancouver, I never learned about many Chinese traditions as my family became integrated and assimilated as 2nd 3rd, 4th and 5th generation Canadians.
Vancouver is a hub for cross-cultural events and the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Chinese Gardens is a leading proponent. For the past two years, I have been attending the Winter solstice events at the gardens. It is decorated with hand made lanterns and is gorgeous. Leaves that fell during the fall, are placed on lanterns and hung back on the trees. I particularly enjoyed my 2003 Winter Solstice visit to the gardens where I met and talked with erhu musician Ji Rong Huang.
For this year's visit I have invited new friends to attend with me, from the Gung Haggis Fat Choy dragon boat team, and the Save Kogawa House committee.
If you come.... remember to bring your camera!
