BY: THE CHINESE ONE CLASS
过年好 means “Happy Lunar New Year,” which is a traditional and informal way to greet people during the Chinese New Year period. The first day of the Chinese New Year of 2020 was on Saturday, January 25th. This date changes each year as it follows the lunar calendar, based on the cycles of the moon. The entire celebration lasts for fifteen days during which businesses suspend work and everyone reunites with family.
2020 is the year of the Rat (鼠年). The Chinese Zodiac Cycle is based on the ancient Chinese legend in which 12 animals were competing to become the Jade Emperor’s guards and had to wait in line for their turn. These animals are; Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
During the Spring Festival, people get together with their families for a reunion dinner, decorate their houses, watch fireworks, and exchange gifts. Of these traditions, the reunion dinner is the most important and celebrates the past year. The two main colors of the festival are red and yellow, those symbolize happiness, prosperity, and good luck. These colors are seen everywhere in China and around Chinese communities worldwide. Some of the main dishes of the Spring Festival include; fish, noodles, rice cake, and of course, spring rolls!
In our class this year, we celebrated the Chinese New Year by creating our own works of art using the technique of paper quilling. Paper quilling is not traditionally Chinese, but it is beautiful and fun! We tried many different Chinese snacks and got the chance to wear traditional Chinese garments for a photo op. Wishing you health and prosperity in the New Year (恭喜发财!), Chinese One, Class of 2020
The Shen Pen 