This past weekend, students and staff experienced a closer look at Chinese New Year. Our Chinese international students started it off by showing a video of what the celebration is and how it all began. Chinese New Year is a celebration of the defeat of a monster who would come into villages and cause chaos. The village people learned that the monster didn’t like the color red, loud noises, or bright lights. In creating loud noises and bright lights, the Chinese people created Chinese New Year. This celebration can be in January or February due to the lunar calendar, which is the calendar that the Chinese use. The students then showed an assortment of food eaten during the fifteen days of the celebration, with an explanation of why they eat those dishes.
   The experience was mind opening for all. Mrs. Torres mentioned, “It was fun beginning to end. There were a lot of surprises!” She expressed her delight of the entire activity, explaining that the students prepared all but one of the dishes themselves. The food served was spectacular, and many students and staff expressed their delight in eating what had been prepared.
   The steamed rice was prepared by Susan, and a potato dish by Rain, along with many other delicious dishes. The food prepared was a big hit. Richard S. mentioned, “I liked the food, it was really good.”
   The meal was set up in the gym along with an assortment of games for everyone to enjoy. There was karaoke, jump rope, Chinese checkers, badminton and Jianzi. Jianzi is like hacky sack, where you are trying to keep the shuttlecock in the air using your feet. These activities were enjoyed immensely by all who were there.
   To wrap up the evening, fireworks and sparklers were lit outside. Danielle mentioned, “The fireworks were really cool!” Like many others, Rachel said, “It was very informational, traditional, and fun getting to
know the international students. They’re just amazing.”
   The Chinese New Year celebration was enjoyable and informational. It was great to experience a little bit of their culture and the celebration that takes place in China.

[article written by Grace P.]