In Vancouver in November 2000, my family of three arrived, with our son just beginning Grade 1. Descending from the plane, we were greeted by the sunlight streaming through the windows, coinciding with the eve of Remembrance Day in Canada.
The morning after, while still battling jet lag, a friend took us for a stroll in a local park where we witnessed crowds gathering – men, women, children, and veterans donning small red flowers. Curiously, I asked my friend if it was an opium poppy, to which they kindly corrected me, explaining it was the Remembrance Day poppy.
The word my friend used in Chinese, “Yumeiren” (èç¾äºº), referred to a beautiful flower symbolizing hope, with historical and poetic connotations. This moment made me realize that the significance of the poppy extended beyond its physical appearance, embodying sacrifice, war, peace, and loss for Canadians, while evoking a sense of poetry and sorrow for me.
Subsequently, I learned from a local Chinese-language newspaper about the 81,000 Chinese laborers who crossed Canada to Europe during World War I, contributing to the Allied war effort. Many of these laborers perished, with few receiving recognition. Reflecting on this, I understood that the poppies also symbolized their sacrifices.
This experience taught me, as an immigrant, that holidays are not merely occasions for leisure but serve as reminders of history and carriers of collective emotions. As we integrated further, we encountered more “Canadian” days, such as Pro-D Day, and Canada Day, each offering unique insights into Canadian culture and values.
Participating in celebrations like Canada Day, despite historical complexities, highlighted our journey towards belonging in this new land. Through various holidays and family milestones, from Halloween to Christmas, we navigated the path from unfamiliarity to a sense of belonging, finding our place in Canadian society.
Our decision to immigrate to Canada was not solely based on education or opportunity but also on the prospect of embracing diverse cultural celebrations and gradually finding our place within them. Holidays, as waypoints, guide us from our past towards a future of belonging and understanding in a new homeland.