Chinese New Year at By the River B and B
A Perfect Winter Retreat at By the River B & B
Look back on a memorable Chinese New Year experience at By the River Bed & Breakfast, then discover your chance to create your own special memories with their exclusive Winter Stay package for 2025. Unwind in luxurious accommodations, indulge in personalized spa treatments, and savour the flavours of a private Chinese dinner—all while surrounded by the beauty of nature. Whether you’re a returning guest or new to the experience, By the River B & B promises the perfect winter retreat.
Lunar New Year
The Lunar New Year is the most important holiday in Chinese culture, so it was a privilege to celebrate it with Coral Shuai and Hao Hua and their family and friends at By the River Bed & Breakfast in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Together we welcomed a New Year of Happiness. This Chinese New Year celebration is an annual 15-day festival that begins with the new moon and it falls between January 21st and February 20th in Western calendars. The holiday lasts until the following full moon. It begins as a time for feasting and it honours household and heavenly deities, as well as ancestors.
Chinese New Year
In 2020, Coral and Hao offered a Chinese New Year Open House marking the first two Saturdays of the Spring Festival. A special rate and privilege was offered to B & B guests staying the night to also join Coral and Hao in their New Year Dinner celebration. Enjoy this peek back at this unique experience I enjoyed with my husband to mark the first new moon of the lunar calendar.
Happiness and Good Fortune
The Chinese New Year has been celebrated for centuries as a time to honour ancestors and to gather together to welcome the new year to bring good luck, fortune, wealth, prosperity, and happiness. Coral shared that families hang the Chinese character 福 upside down on their door and windows symbolizing a blessing of happiness and good fortune has come into their house. The colour red is prominent throughout homes as well because it attracts luck and prosperity. Parents and grandparents also give special red envelopes (with money inside) to the youngest members of the family.
Traditional Chinese Music
Coral and Hao’s daughter, Yimei, played the guzheng, also known as a Chinese zither. It is a 21-stringed musical instrument with a 2,500+ year history. She expertly plucked the strings with picks on her fingers. Both Yimei and her twin bother, Yixiang, took lessons in Beijing before moving to Canada and often entertain bed and breakfast weekend guests.
Chinese Calendar
The Chinese calendar is about one month behind ours and it has 30 to 50 more days per year. The zodiac calendar also cycles though 12 years - each year representing a different animal. 2020, the year my husband and I visited, was the Year of the Rat. As the first animal in the cycle, the rat is believed to usher in a period of new beginnings. Those born in the year are considered to be smart, quick-witted, flexible, adaptable, and outgoing. The 12 Chinese zodiac animals are the: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. I noticed many Chinese New Year animal ornaments on display. The ones represented in their home celebrate the year each family member was born. I discovered that my husband I were both born on the Year of the Tiger, and apparently tigers should not marry as they do not compromise well. Oops…
Chinese Tea
Hao and Flora, their youngest daughter, welcomed guests during their Open House to enjoy Chinese tea. Tea is served on both casual and formal occasions. It is also used in cuisine and traditional Chinese medicine. Flora says blowing on it a wee bit is always a good idea, as it could be hot. I heeded her advice and we both agreed, it was delicious.
Chinese Culture
Family is extremely important in Chinese culture, and there is great significance placed on it at the Chinese New Year’s dinner. All family members travel back home whenever they can, and if they truly cannot, their place is still set for them. I met Nathan and Helen, Coral and Hao’s neighbours and very good friends. They, along with other close family friends Yanning and Xin Liu, and their son, Shawn Liu, all joined us for the special dinner celebration.
Dumplings
Dumplings are very tasty and I decided were my favourite new experience. Flora told me these rice flour balls filled with vegetables (or meat) are her favourite, too. Coral shared that a coin is placed inside a random dumpling during preparations, and whoever finds it will have good luck, unless of course they break a tooth, she giggled.
Preparing Chinese New Year food
Preparing Chinese New Year food is as important as eating it. It is a special bonding time. Everyone participates in the process of preparing the dumplings by either rolling out the dough, stuffing, wrapping or cooking them. In certain regions in China, the daughter-in-law must make a dumpling to be considered part of the family.
Chinese New Year Feast
A massive buffet was spread out before us for the Chinese New Year Dinner including: Braised Pork - Family Style, Peking Duck, Sweet and Sour Spare Ribs, Sautéed Beef Filet with Bell Peppers, Breaded Smelts, Black Fungus with Cucumber and Vermicelli, Sautéed Chicken Slices with Vegetables and Fried Fish in Sauce. We shared dishes passing them back and forth. Hao explained each dish and how to enjoy it the most, as some were combined together in a small pancake wrap, and some were best with certain sauces. Eric and I had a delightful time and savoured every tasty dish as did the other guests in attendance. Flora, who was sitting next to me, schooled me in the proper way to use chop sticks, despite her older brother stating she wasn’t very good at it yet. I think Flora was secretly pleased that someone else struggled with them more than her and later on Flora, Eric and I all resorted to forks.
新年快乐
Happy New Year
At dinner, glasses were raised and clinked often - whenever someone exclaims 新年快乐 (Happy New Year). Eric and I were extremely grateful and blessed to share this celebration with Hao and Coral’s family and friends. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the Chinese culture and traditions, and to make new friends.
The Carleton Executive Suite at By the River B & B
After dinner, Eric and I made our way up to our room - the Carleton Executive Suite. It boasts a sumptuous king-size bed, a private bath, a lovely covered balcony, and gracious turret windows. Architectural details abound in the Carleton suite, including the sitting room fireplace. The ornate cast iron insert is original to the house and will never leave, despite a persistent antique dealer’s pleas. This is a testament to the attention and care that Coral and Hao have taken to preserve the history of this grand home while still ensuring guests have all the modern comforts and conveniences we all appreciate.
A Chinese Knot - a Warm Blessing
A Chinese Knot keepsake was placed in our room as a warm blessing given with heartfelt sincerity along with a sweet treat of maple sugar candies for after dinner. This practical skill knot evolved over thousands of years into an exquisite work of art and is made using only one piece of silk. I will treasure this as it will remind me of our Chinese New Year’s stay and celebration.
By the River B & B Breakfast
Coral prepared a delicious breakfast the next morning; eggs made to our liking, along with fresh orange juice, hot coffee and warm blueberry muffins. I enjoyed my omelette so much that I forgot to take a photograph of it. What I can share though is that you will enjoy your breakfast at By the River B & B very much - served exactly the way you like it.
Everlasting Friendship & Happiness
Here’s to everlasting friendship and happiness Coral and Hao. Thank you so very much for your warm hospitality. May you, your family and your dear friends all enjoy prosperity, happiness and good health in the year ahead.
新年快乐
FROSTival 2025 Special at By the River B & B and 301 Spa
After offering a unique, one-time experience in 2020, Coral and Hao have continued to create new specials each year. They’re now excited to announce a brand-new offering for FROSTival 2025. This exclusive experience gives guests the perfect opportunity to enjoy a stay at By the River B & B while savouring the flavours of their exquisite Chinese cooking. It’s also an ideal chance to relax, rejuvenate, and experience the best of both worlds in a truly unforgettable setting, complete with their delightful on-site 301 Spa.
Relax and Rejuvenate at By the River B & B
Escape to By the River B & B and indulge in a rejuvenating retreat at their on-site 301 Spa, where nature meets relaxation by the river. This charming getaway offers a perfect blend of serene accommodations in a historic home, paired with the modern luxury of their personalized spa services. Unwind in this peaceful retreat with your partner to relax and rejuvenate at By the River B & B. You’ll find everything you need right here. Just a 10-minute walk away, Odell Park offers scenic trails and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the tranquility of an old growth forest.
Book Your 2025 Winter Stay at an Exclusive Rate at By the River B & B
Take advantage of a limited-time winter stay package at By the River B & B, available through the end of March 2025, at a very special rate.
One night’s accommodation for two in a deluxe suite with King-sized bed or two beds, a sitting room and a deluxe bathroom featuring a Jacuzzi tub.
A relaxing one-hour couple’s massage in the 301 Spa. Plus enjoy $10 off for any additional services, such as facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing, or laser treatments. Advance booking is highly recommended.
Delicious home-cooked breakfasts for two each morning.
A private Chinese dinner for two, prepared just for you.
Complimentary access to By the River B & B’s riverside beach and snowshoe rentals (weather permitting).
Access to the evening outdoor fire pit (weather permitting)
A $50 gift certificate to use at participating Downtown Fredericton or Fredericton North businesses.
Package price: $378, taxes and gratuity not included
Don’t miss out on this exclusive Winter Stay and Play package - experience ultimate relaxation, great savings, and unforgettable memories.
This post was sponsored by By the River B & B; however, all thoughts & opinions are my own. Follow Maritimes Maven on FaceBook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn & Threads. Subscribe to be the first to receive my latest articles. Share articles you love with your social media community so they, too, will discover, There’s No Place Like Home!