Happy Lunar New Year!
Happy Lunar New Year! This year is the Year of the Dragon (each year has a corresponding animal from the Chinese zodiac, 12 animals total, based on ancient Chinese mythology). Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, takes place this year on Saturday, February 10. Although the date differs each year since Lunar New Year follows the cycle of the moon, the date always falls between Jan. 20 and Feb. 21 on the Gregorian calendar. Just like other winter solstice celebrations, the darkness is banished by the lighting of firecrackers, lanterns, and candles to bring in good luck for the next year. People also wear red as a sign for good luck. Paper lanterns are hung by the thousands in public areas, as well as many traditional dances (dragon dancing, lion dancing), performances, and festival parades with music and acrobatics. For Lunar New Year, it's traditional to serve a special stir fry noodle dish called "Long Life Noodles," a spin on chow mein where the noodles are extra long to symbolize a long life. As "good luck" and "good fortune" are the main themes of Lunar New Year, children receive "lucky money" in red envelopes.
At their 1/19 City Council meeting, Mayor Davis proclaimed January 20th as the beginning of a fresh start to “Lunar New Year” (see the Proclamation linked below). The City of Brisbane joins families in Brisbane, Asia, and throughout the Asian diaspora in welcoming the Year of the Rabbit, and recognizing the achievements of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. Accepting the Proclamation was former Chair of the IDEA Committee, William Lok, who expressed how proud he was of the City of Brisbane for acknowledging and appreciating its Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. He also stated he was looking forward to seeing the "Stand with Asians" flag that will be flying starting January 22nd through the end of the month, at the Community Park and at City Hall.
The Brisbane Library is celebrating Lunar New Year. Celebrate Lunar New Year with author and illustrator Oliver Chin! Oliver has written more than 15 books, including the children's picture books. He'll read his picture book the Year of the Dragon and lead a drawing workshop for children and their families to create their own dragon for Year of the Dragon. This event will be on Sunday, February 25 at 2 p.m. Register for the event here (only 9 spots left).
