Lunar New Year Celebration Ushers in the Year of the Dragon

The MultiCultural Center, Asian Pacific American Student Alliance, Chinese Student Scholar Association, and Global Connections Club of Humboldt State University celebrates the Year of the Dragon, the most powerful sign of the Chinese zodiac, at the annual Spring Festival.

Come celebrate Monday, Jan. 23 in the Kate Buchanan Room (UC 225) from 5 to 8 p.m. There will be traditional New Year’s sweet treats, Chinese instrument playing and singing as well as calligraphy, games with prizes, and tai chi. A New Year’s dinner will be shared.

On Saturday, Jan. 28 on the first floor of the Jolly Giant Commons come enjoy a professional Lion Dance performance by U.S.A. Yau Kung Moon Kung Fu Association. There will be traditional New Year’s sweet treats, demonstrations, and activities. Don’t forget to bring money to “feed” the lion to receive good luck, prosperity, and longevity.

In countries across Asia, including China, Vietnam and Korea, the Lunar New Year is celebrated on the first day of the new moon of the lunar calendar. On the day of the new year, red is worn to signify luck and lion dancers perform to chase away evil omens. As one of the most important holidays in many Asian countries, the holiday is also a time for family to gather. Some famous Dragons include Liam Neeson, John Lennon, Sigmund Freud, Florence Nightingale and Joan of Arc.

The Spring Festival at HSU has been a popular family event for the campus and community for several years. It starts on New Year’s Day in the Kate Buchanan Room at 5 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 23 and continues on Saturday, Jan. 28 at noon in the Jolly Giant Commons, 1st Floor. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, call or email the MultiCultural Center at 707.826.3364 or mcc@humboldt.edu.