February 17, 2010

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Year of the Tiger:
Chinese New Year Celebration Performance
for Fairwood Set for Saturday, Feb. 20

The Chinese New Year began February 14, 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.

It all begins at 6 pm. Diners will also be treated to a mini performance.

Golden Peacock's Rich Tse and his family at the 2009 Celebration.

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 426 years old.

2009 was designated as the Year of the Ox, and this year is the Year of the Tiger.  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 February 14 through February 28.  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.