Year of the snake slithers into the United States
Gong Xi Fa Cai, y’all!
The Chinese New Year, beginning February 10, is in full swing across the globe. This year marks the year of the snake, and the annual Asian celebration has slithered its way into the United States.
The Chinese New Year is the most important holiday celebrated in China. Traditionally lasting for 15 days, celebrations include everything from dance parades to the final festivity of the lantern festival.
With a strong emphasis on culture and tradition, Chinese citizens also exchange gifts, visit family members, and feast on traditional Chinese cuisine. Probably most well known to foreign nations is the receiving of red envelopes, which are filled with money and given to children for good luck.
The university’s Chinese Student Association sponsored its annual Chinese Lunar New Year celebration in conjunction with the International Student Services on February 9. Patrons enjoyed an introduction to the year of the snake, a Chinese lion dance, as well as various games and door prizes.
“The event went splendidly. It was well attended with well over 500 [students] coming and going throughout the evening. We sold 400 plates of authentic Chinese cuisine from Asian River restaurant,” said Jeff Jones, director of the International Student Services.
The Chinese Consulate based out of Houston, Texas sponsored the event, along with Student Involvement and the International Student Services Office.
Each day holds a special significance that varies according to local traditions. Firstly, before the arrival of the New Year, homes are thoroughly cleaned to sweep away ill fortune and to welcome good luck. On New Year’s Eve, there are family gatherings to celebrate and enjoy traditional feasts and to greet the New Year with fireworks at midnight.
Those born in the year of the snake are said to be keen and determined. Tradition also states that they are known to be calm and know how to steer themselves toward their own destinies.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau there are roughly 2.7 million citizens living in the United States that identify as Chinese, making up nearly 20 percent of the Asian population. Both New York City and San Francisco have Chinese New Year parades in their respected Chinatowns, and San Francisco’s was named the largest Asian celebration in North America.
Other American celebrations include Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle.
With the largest celebration existing in Hong Kong, Savannah can only long for the fireworks and festivities occurring at the university’s campus abroad. If you’re celebrating in Savannah, grab yourself some Peking House and wish everyone a happy New Year by shouting Gong Xi Fa Cai!
