The Lunar Festival Concludes Across the Nation and Across the Sea

This week concludes the fifteen day celebration of the Lunar Festival! Happy New Year to all of our completed and waiting families in the China Program; Happy Tet to all those in the Vietnam Program!

Chinese New Year Day and Tet are typically in early February, but due to lunar cycles, this year it was celebrated on January 26. The Lantern Festival, also known as “Yuan Xiao Festival,” takes place on the fifteenth day of the first moon and signals the end of the New Year celebrations.

Last in a series of springtime celebrations, this second New Year is widely celebrated by Asian families all around world. In the Chinese tradition, specifically, the beginning of a new year is marked by a bright full moon in the sky. Accordingly, families hang colorful lanterns for everyone to enjoy.

The traditional celebration dish for the Lantern Festival is yuanxiao, a sweet treat. The balls are made with butter, sesame, sugar and a special rice flour that gives them a jelly-like texture.

A Little Chinese Fun and Trivia!

2008 was an unusual year in China with earthquakes, floods, cyclones, tornados, fire, and the global financial crisis. Discover what 2009 has in store by reading your Chinese Horoscope.

* With your birth year:
2009 Chinese Horoscope by the 12 Chinese Zodiac Signs

* With the Chinese Astrology Chart:
2009 Chinese Five Element Astrology for Year of Ox

See for Yourself, in Vibrant Color

View amazing photos from China’s 2009 Lantern Festival Celebration in Taiwan, in Hubei, Shaanxi, Jiangsu, Jilan, Qinghai , Hanoi Provinces and in the cities of Tianjin, Shanghai and Beijing.

Find more ways to celebrate the New Year throughout February!

Houston, Texas
Friday, February 13
Exploring the tradition of the Lantern Festival
The Council of Clubs Room
Lanterns available for purchase.
To RSVP call Tracie Chancellor 281-856-8385/ cell 281-635-0443
Details
Map


San Francisco, California
Sunday, February 15
Chinese Chamber of Commerce/Chinatown Run 10K/5K Run/Walk
YMCA Chinatown
Registration


Los Angelos, California
Friday, February 27
Lunar New Year Imperial Banquet
Empress Pavilion Restaurant
Details


New York, New York
Through February
2nd Annual Lantern Installation
Sara D. Roosevelt Park
Lanterns made of recycled materials hung alongside 2008 Year of the Rat lanterns to brighten the park
Details


New York, New York
Every weekend through February, March and April
Cantonese Opera performance
Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association
Details on this & more NY Chinatown Culture


Contact your local Families with Children from China Chapter for more events!

See How Children's Hope Families Celebrated!

* The Beihoffers with River

* The Carscaddens with Jessie

* The Cristofolettis with Peyton and Spencer

* The Gours with Clair


These are just a start! Find the many Children's Hope families, both completed and waiting, that share their blogs on the Children's Hope blogroll. Find your favorite Lunar Celebration post and share it with us in the commment section, or post your own!

Chuc Mung Nam Muoi! Gung Hay Fat Choy!