Community celebrates Chinese New Year

The University's Asian community ushered in the Year of the Dog with a day-long celebration at the University Museum on Saturday. According to Engineering sophomore Steve Lin, a vice president of the Chinese Students Association, the New Year's observance is "the most important holiday of the Chinese year." The day's programming was jointly sponsored by the University and members of CSA. It included exhibits highlighting traditional aspects of Chinese culture as well as ethnic foods, arts and crafts. Wharton freshman and CSA Cultural Co-chairperson Daphne Choi said one of the exhibits, a red and gold platter filled with dried fruits and candies, is rooted in traditions of the past. The platter's colors symbolize happiness and glamour, Choi said. Red has mythical roots, because it was used in ancient times to scare away a god which took a child away from each village every year. Now, people use red placards when hanging New Year's wishes and greetings on their front doors. The New Year's festivities also included demonstrations of noodle-making, vegetable carving and the martial arts kung fu and t'ai chi, plus a performance of the Lion Dance. The celebration encompassed other traditions, such as the use of chopsticks – especially for eating New Year's foods like phat toy, a vegetable dish whose name translates to English as "prosperity" – and the telling of folk tales and fortunes. College sophomore Karen Chan was one of many waiting in line to find out what is in store for her. However, Chan said she would only believe her fortune if it was good. The tables set up throughout the Museum, staffed by University students, were intended to "show people all different parts of the Chinese culture," said College freshman Angela Chang, CSA's public relations officer. Despite the slush and cold temperatures, organizers were pleased with the turnout, which included city residents and University students and staff. "We're really impressed with the turnout," said Wharton sophomore and CSA Cultural Co-chairperson Adam Cheung. "Even if turnout is lower [than last year], it looks like there is a more diverse mix of people," added Wharton sophomore and CSA Vice President Tyrone Chang. CSA president Jen Liu, a College junior, seemed pleased with the results of her group's efforts, which began before winter break with the ordering of pastries from New York. The goal of the celebration was to "have people learn about the [Chinese] culture," Liu said.