Chinese New Year

Alright, for all you culturally challenged people out there, Chinese New Year falls on Sunday, January 29th this year and the celebration lasts for 15 days thereafter. It's the longest and most important Chinese celebration in the world. And the number of people who celebrate Chinese New Year actually rivals the number of people who celebrate Christmas. That's right. Chinese New Year is just that important.

Chinese New Year's is important to me because I am Chinese and it's a part of who I am. My family and I have been celebrating Chinese New Year and its traditions for as long as I can remember. Tradition is a big part of knowing where you come from and appreciating your heritage and culture. Mind you, I never really appreciated the celebration until after I realized that it was really a part of me, something that I couldn't change and something that I don't have to be ashamed of. For those of you who believe that everyone in America is just another American, then that's fine. But there is nothing wrong with remembering who you are and where you come from. And for me, and many others, Chinese New Year is very important.

I can't tell you how many times I have had to hear the ignorant rant from people who don't understand the significance of the celebration and therefore don't seem to care. Which, again, is fine. But people, come one, if you are talking to someone who obviously is Chinese and may or may not celebrate the New Year, don't make some ignorant comment about the holiday or its celebrations. Yeah, it's rude and ignorant. You don't have to celebrate it and if you don't want to hear about it then turn the other way. Chinese New Year is a part of many people, so if you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all.

Now, for those of you who are interested, Chinese New Year kicks off a big day of tradition. There is the no washing hair rule on Chinese New Year Day to preserve your good luck, an endless feast of food with family and friends, and of course, the prized red envelopes filled with good luck money for the new year. There are many other traditions that I can't even begin to name right now, so I won't bore you with those details. But this year is the Year of the Dog. So for those of you born in the year of 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, pay attention, "People born in the Year of the Dog possess the best traits of human nature. They have a deep sense of loyalty, are honest, and inspire other people's confidence because they know how to keep secrets. But Dog People are somewhat selfish, terribly stubborn, and eccentric. They care little for wealth, yet somehow always seem to have money. They can be cold emotionally and sometimes distant at parties. They can find fault with many things and are noted for their sharp tongues. Dog people make good leaders. They are compatible with those born in the Years of the Horse, Tiger, and Rabbit."

Gung Hay Fat Choy!