The Kapio Newspress

Issue date: 2/8/10 Section: News

Media Credit: AP Stuffed tiger dolls are sold at a street stall in Shanghai, China Thursday, Feb. 4. Chinese will celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Tiger on Feb. 14. There will be different ways to ring in the New Year in Hawai'i.

While many people were lamenting the end of the traditional holiday season, having their fill of turkey, ham and mistletoe, there are countless others who are continuing their celebrations with Chinese New Year, held on Feb. 14.

For a large number of families throughout the world, this 15-day celebration takes precedence over all other holidays. Feasts and gatherings fill their days as they welcome the new year in. Tradition is strong among those who celebrate.

What is Chinese New Year, exactly?

It's an occasion celebrated throughout much of Asia, based on the lunar calendar. Unlike the western calendar, where the new year starts on Jan. 1, Chinese New Year lands on a different day of our calendar year every year.

This year it falls on Feb. 14 - or Valentine's Day - with celebratory events that started last weekend.

It marks the start of the Year of the Tiger.

KCC student Davin Char comes from a family who celebrates the Chinese New Year.

"The best part is the food," said Char, "but I look forward to my grandma's gau the best."

In addition to the gau, Char says he also looks forward to finding the fu jook inside of the the Chinese monk food called jai.

When Char's family gets together for their New Year dinner, they fill up 40 tables. Relatives range in age from little children to 90-years-old - all enjoying the time they have to share as a family. One side of his family likes to gather together to hear the stories of Char's grandpa and the businesses he started.

Other traditional foods that families might eat are chicken, pork and rice while they get together with loved ones in honor of those who have passed away. Families may also thoroughly clean their homes in preparation for a prosperous new year.

In Hawai`i, there have been many Chinese New Year celebrations going on.

Chinatown kicked off their celebrations with the Narcissus Queen Pageant in January, followed by other activities such as a coronation ball, an open house and a parade and festival. Also throughout Hawai`i, merchants are welcoming the traditional lion dancers.

As for making memories out of time-honored traditions, Char said, "When I was a kid, I used to like the lion dance and the fireworks. Whenever it comes to the new year time, it brings me back to that time--flashbacks with all those memories."



Celebrate 2010

Chinese New Year Celebration with traditional lion dance

11 a.m. Feb. 20

Koko Marina Center, Marina Courtyard

Free

http://kokomarinacenter.com

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