The Cali-Saigon Mall hosted a Lunar New Year celebration Saturday, Jan. 7. The event, which was presented by Jennifer Nguyen and Shunfat Supermarket, drew a large crowd that included State Representative Angie Chen Button, Garland Mayor Scott LeMay, several Garland, Rowlett and Richardson City Council members, Garland ISD Board of Trustees members and representatives from the Garland Police Department and Garland Fire Department. Justice of the Peace Margaret O’Brien and representatives from the VN United Football Club, Garland Police Never Walk Alone Foundation, MAAIP, LULAC, GAFHA, VAC and the city of Garland Youth Council were also in attendance.
The celebration featured the lighting of red firecrackers for good luck and dragon and lion dances by J.L. Sports Association. These events were followed by a delicious array of food and multicultural musical entertainment.
Photos provided by Saksith Kalayaboon
Lunar New Year is an international holiday celebrated in many Asian countries. Some of those include China, Viet Nam, Indonesia, South Korea and the Philippines, and every culture that celebrates has its own traditions. It is celebrated by approximately 1.5 billion people around the world and it is one of the most important Asian holidays of the year.
The holiday symbolizes letting go of the past year and bringing in the new year with its many possibilities.
Another key aspect to Lunar New Year is family and community. Families gather for feasts and to celebrate cultural customs. In addition, it is an opportunity to commemorate a year of hard work.
There are 12 animals In the Chinese Zodiac and each coincides with the lunar calendar and occurs in a 12-year cycle. Each of the 12 animals has its own attributes and characteristics. 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit.
The order of the Chinese Zodiac is:
- Rat
- Ox
- Tiger
- Rabbit (in Vietnam, the rabbit is replaced by cat)
- Dragon
- Snake
- Horse
- Goat
- Monkey
- Rooster
- Dog
- Pig
People born in the Year of the Rabbit are said to be caring, and they enjoy successful careers. They also make friends easily and are said to be attentive to details and follow rules.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/lunar-2023-012758159.html?fr=sycsrp_catchall