Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year and the Spring Festival, began on Friday, February 16 this year.

This year’s lunar calendar sign is the dog. Unlike Canada's new year, Chinese New Year varies each year, depending on the lunar calendar.

David and Julie Szutu left China 38 years ago and now own Szutu's Chinese Restaurant in Winkler. They explained it's important for the family to come together during this time, similar to Canadian tradition.

"When it's a new year everybody just takes a week off, the whole family's just together," said David Szutu, noting many Chinese immigrants will fly back to China to celebrate with family.

He adds people use firecrackers and fireworks to celebrate, as long as they're not being used within city limits.  

"Before, they were allowed in the city too," said the couple, explaining the cities have grown and it would be too loud.

The celebrations will last for over two weeks, and most people take a week off work to celebrate. David said the government closes many businesses so that this is possible.  

The Chinese zodiac moves in a 12-year cycle, and those born in 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, and 2018 are also known as Dogs. The animal for your birth year is said to influence your personality traits.

There are also different varieties of the animals, and 2018 will be the first Year of the Earth Dog since 1958. People born in an Earth Dog year are said to be communicative, serious, and responsible in the workplace.

David and Julie said each area of China celebrates a bit differently, especially when it comes to food.

Steamed goose, pork, and chicken are celebratory foods where they are from, while in the northern region lamb is more common. A Chinese version of a doughnut is also popular, using sticky rice flour, sesame seeds, and brown sugar.

"Here a lot of people are scared to try something new," said David, referring to the differences in Canadian and Chinese foods.

This month was also Morden's Multicultural Winterfest at the Access Event Center.

The free event involved an afternoon of enjoying the different cultures and traditions represented in Morden through cultural displays and entertainment.

Junjie Grace Hu is from China and attended the event.

"We actually make lots of dumplings and cook lots of food," said Hu.

She added they also make red paper crafts to hang around the home, which represents happiness and good fortune.

Hu said she's often asked about the red envelopes, which are used for the older generation to give the younger children pocket money.

"And also, they are surprised how many people are in China, and how many people (are) actually immigrating to Canada," she added.

Hu said she tries to help make newcomers feel comfortable here, and she was happy to see Chinese culture at the festival this year.

"Every year is different," she said. "When you come into the hall you feel welcomeness."