Today is the Chinese New Year, or lunar new year. Just like our January 1st celebration, the Chinese New Year is marked with large and long-lasting celebrations. Because the year is determined by the moon and sun’s phases, the Chinese New Year falls on a different day within our Gregorian calendar every year. This year, it falls on February 3rd, today!

In addition, each year in the Chinese calendar corresponds to an animal in the zodiac. The Chinese zodiac consists of 12 animals; the rat, the ox, the tiger, the rabbit, the dragon, the snake, the horse, the sheep, the monkey, the rooster, the dog and the pig. This year is the the year of the Rabbit.

Children born under an animal sign will often exhibit similar personality traits, both good and bad. Children born in the year of the rabbit are said to be:
Gracious, kind, sensitive, soft-spoken, and cautious. But they can also be moody, detached, superficial, self-indulgent, opportunistic,and stubborn.

Celebrations!:

There will be two major Chinese New Year celebrations in Portland this weekend.

1) “Chinese New Year at Chinatown Gate,“ NW 4th & Burnside, Saturday, February 5th, 10-11am, free admission, all ages

This block-party of sorts will include a lion drance, costume contests and hot beverages!

2) “Chinese New Year Cultural Fair,” Oregon Convention Center (777 NE MLK Jr. Blvd.), Saturday, February 5th, 10am-6pm, $6 (free admission for kids under 6)

Here you will see stage performances from local dance groups, lion and dragon dances, food, booths and more! You do have to pay a small admission fee, but I think it is going to be fun!

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