“Red paper cut-outs decorate windows and doors to mark Lunar New Year, a festival which celebrates the traditional annual harvest in some Asian countries and begins a new year on traditional calendars.
“The year 2020 corresponds to the Year of the Rat. According to Asian zodiac signs, the Year of the Rat represents a time of progress, breakthroughs and personal advancement.
“This is a time for sweeping out the ill fortune accumulated during the previous year to make room for new luck and prosperity. Often, those who celebrate will gather with family to share meals and exchange gifts.
“As Albertans, traditions of our various cultural heritages sustain the diversity that makes this province great and help foster a sense of belonging.
“May all who celebrate the Lunar New Year find a way to return home for the reunion dinner, and may the Year of the Rat be auspicious for Alberta.”