Chinese New Year's Celebration

Many people were in attendance


Last Friday, there was a Chinese New Year's Celebration on the EWU Campus. Many students and guests met in Tawanka for the festivities. Refreshments were provided for everyone. For entertainment, there were several performances and games (with prizes for the winners). Guests were divided into four groups: Tigers, Dragons, Phoenixes, and Mice.

These two look familiar

Our hosts gave us information about New Year customs. I remember that fireworks were important because they were used a long time ago to scare off a monster (is this correct?). No fireworks were used indoors (of course), but the talent provided plenty of excitement. There was singing, dancing, instrumental performances, magic shows, and videos. I had no idea so many of the students had such great skills.


Li Gen sings!

I must thank Hao for all the pictures! Some of you may also recognize Xiao Xiao. They were both dressed so elegantly for the occasion.

When we weren't watching the entertainers, we were invited to play games. One game called Dragon Chases Phoenix (is this right?), one player had to copy a gesture from another player and then add one to it. The players had to remember many moves and be very nimble. It made people look silly. Another game was like "pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey," but in this version, blindfolded players had to put eyes, nose, and mouth on a blank face. The results made the poor face look deformed.


The game would be easier without the blindfold

Of the food, I liked the dumplings the best. They are shaped to resemble old Chinese money (is this true?). I regret not going back for seconds. I'm still thinking about the dumplings.
I learned a lot about Chinese customs, and I think that there should be a celebration on campus every year. What did you think of the celebration? If you did not go, do you think you would go in the future? What do you do (or did you do) to observe the New Year? What do you think the Year of the Mouse/Rat will bring?


"Gong xi, gong xi, gong xi ni!" I still have this song stuck in my head!