Ideas to celebrate “Singles Day”

Written by Jenni Li
Translated by Jennifer J. Lau

From long ago, traditions celebrating love (such as Valentine’s Day and weddings) have dominated cultures from around the world. But celebrating “singles” is a rather contemporary phenomenon. It seems as though being single was not worth celebrating in the larger context of society throughout history. But in schools in China, there is a new movement for the singles — it’s also known as “Singles Day” or literally “Light Stick Day”. This new celebration occurs on the 11th day of the 11th month because the date has four “1”s which emphasizes the single figure with the repeated “1’s.” And it’s become very popular around the world.

人們歷來重視慶祝情人節和結婚紀念日，相比之下，單身生活似乎並不值得一提。有趣的是，最早在中國的校園裡出現的「光棍節」，正在改變人們的觀念：每年的十一月十一日，因為日期裡包含了四個形狀如棍子的數字「1」，也被稱為「光棍節」，是單身人士慶祝自由自在生活的節日。

Originally a creation in China, Singles Day has now crossed national borders into Thailand, Singapore, and New Zealand. Especially in China, this day is well known for shopping sprees — individuals choose to pamper themselves with gifts to celebrate. But besides shopping for material satisfaction, there are many ways to make this tradition your own. At the end of the day, it’s all about self-love and appreciating your own being. And that should be done every single day.

產生於中國的「光棍節」，影響已漸漸擴至泰國、新加坡，甚至新西蘭。在中國，這一天也是名聲遠揚、轟轟烈烈的「雙十一購物節」。不過除了購物，「光棍節」的意義更在於表達對自己的欣賞，並提醒自己每天都要對擁有的一切心懷感激。因此，我們特別為大家推薦一些慶祝「光棍節」的新方式：

From Left: Artwork by featured artist Brian Mulvihill, Installation by featured artist Lam Wong, Calligraphy art by featured artist Don Wong

1. Visit a museum | 參觀博物館：

Stroll the galleries of a museum you’ve always wanted to visit. Go at your own pace without feeling pressured by others. Gain knowledge and expand your mind.

We recommend the Chaji Group Exhibition at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden in Vancouver, presented by artist-in-residence Lam Wong, together with four other established artists — Arthur Cheng, Bryan Mulvihill, Chick Rice, and Don Wong. The artists are masterful in their own practices of art — taking inspiration by tea culture or Eastern philosophy.

On November 6th, from 2 to 4 pm, Chaji’s curator Lam Wong will lead a curatorial tour and talk about the artwork at the exhibit. Visitors are invited to join the artist for a tea ceremony at the end of the tour as well! If you don’t already have a favourite tea cup to bring with you, consider purchasing one at the Classical Chinese Garden and make some unforgettable memories at this tea ceremony!

博物館或者藝術展都是很好的去處，既有趣又令人放鬆。也許在這次參觀中，你會有出乎意料的新發現！

我們推薦溫哥華中山公園的駐館藝術家王藝林與其他四位藝術家合作舉辦的「茶寂」藝術展。創作理念來自茶道和東方哲學思想，藝術家們以攝影、茶道、書法等多種藝術形式為觀者展現一種超然的人生態度和生命境界。

11月6日當天2-4點，駐館藝術家王藝林將會特別帶領觀眾參觀展覽，講解展品，並在其後舉辦茶道儀式。你可以自帶一個心愛的茶杯，或在中山公園裡選購一只，與藝術家一同飲茶，共度令人心情平和的好時光。

2. Dine at a new restaurant | 吃一家沒有去過的餐廳:

Of course, we all have our favourite go-to restaurants. They are gems. But why not take this opportunity to try something new? Even though it might be uncomfortable at first to ask for a table for one, you will find a new sense of confidence. And if the thought of going alone truly scares you, bring a friend along and celebrate your friendship!

Have you tried Azyun Restaurant on Main Street Markham or Little Bird Dim Sum that newly opened in Vancouver?

每個人都有自己最熟悉的餐廳和最常點的菜品。但是網上熱議的新餐廳如雨後春筍般湧現，雙十一當天何不做一些新嘗試呢？

我們推薦多倫多萬錦市的 Azyun Restaurant 和溫哥華的 Little Bird Dim Sum！

3. Have fun at a workshop | 去藝術工坊創作：

Anyone can enjoy making art. You do not need to be an artist! Going to a workshop that promotes creativity is a great way to spend time alone or with good friends. Workshops usually provide all the tools you need to complete one project. Immerse yourself in the process, and enjoy!

If you’re in Toronto, we recommend an open house floral workshop. From November 9th to 11th, floral artist Vivi Hou will host a workshop to showcase Chinese floral arrangements. Space is limited, if you want to attend to this lovely event, please RSVP to vivihou0507@gmail.com!

很多人認為藝術創作的過程類似於冥想，讓人快樂平和。即使你平時沒有創作的習慣，許多藝術工坊也會貼心準備你所需要的一切用具！我們推薦中式花藝設計師 Vivi Hou 在11月9至11日期間舉辦的花藝設計免費開放課。名額有限，早點發郵件至 vivihou0507@gmail.com 預約你的位子吧！