Year of the Ox:
Chinese New Year Celebration Performance for Fairwood Set for January 31

Golden Peacock Restaurant’s owner Rich Tse is excited about sharing his heritage and traditions, especially the celebrations. Fairwood residents will be able to sample a taste of these traditions this Saturday.

The Chinese New Year began Jan. 26, and the Golden Peacock plans to celebrate the holiday by “bringing Seattle to Fairwood,” according to Tse.

Tse has faithfully served his Fairwood patrons for many years, and the Chinese New Year performances he plans are a gift he enjoys sharing.

“The purpose of the Chinese New Year Celebrations is to bring in Good and keep Evil away,” said Tse. Last year, Tse invited a Chinese performance group, the Seattle International Lion Dance Team, to bring good luck to the area. Over 40 team members, ranging from ages 3-65, were dressed in traditional costumes and Kung Fu suits. Tony Au is the captain of the team.

This year, the Lion Dance Team will again treat spectators with a traditional Lion Dance and Kung Fu demonstration in Golden Peacock’s parking lot on Saturday, January 31. It all begins at 6 pm. Diners will also be treated to a mini performance.

All are invited to join in the festivities, beginning at 6 pm in the Golden Peacock parking lot.

Chinese New Year Fundamentals
Unlike the International calendar year, a solar cycle, the Chinese calendar is based on a combination of lunar and solar movements. The lunar cycle is about 29.5 days. To “catch up” with the solar calendar, the Chinese equivalent to the Leap Year concept is to add an extra month once every seven years out of a 19-year cycle.

As a result, the Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year. The Chinese calendar has been used for centuries compared to the International calendar, just 425 years old.

2008 is designated as the Year of the Rat. The Chinese calendar assigns an animal for each year, used a tool for children to count the years. For the Chinese calendar, years are counted in 12-year units, so therefore, 12 animals are utilized.

Chinese New Year Celebration Days
This year, the Chinese New Year celebration runs from January 26 through February 9. Each of the 15 days celebrating the Chinese New Year has a different focus.

Day 1
This day “welcomes the gods of the heavens and earth.” Many abstain from meat on this day because it is believed that this will ensure them long and happy lives.

Day 2
The Chinese pray to their ancestors as well as to all the gods, and they are extra kind to dogs, feeding them well. It is believed that this day is the birthday of all dogs.

Days 3 & 4
The sons-in-law pay respect to their parents-in-law. Day 5: People stay home to welcome the God of Wealth. No one visits families and friends on this day because it will bring both parties bad luck.

Days 6-10
The Chinese visit their relatives and friends freely. They also visit temples to pray for good fortune and health.

Day 7
Farmers display their produce. These farmers make a drink from seven types of vegetables to celebrate the occasion. It is also considered the birthday of human beings. Noodles are eaten to promote longevity and raw fish for success.

Day 9
Offerings are made to the Jade Emperor.

Days 10-12
Friends and relatives are invited for dinner.

Day 13
After so much rich food, a simple rice congee and mustard greens (choi sum) is often eaten to cleanse the system.

Day 14
Preparations are made to celebrate the Lantern Festival, which is held on Night 15.

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Year of the Ox: Chinese New Year Celebration Performance for Fairwood Set for January 31