Asian New Year at the Beardsley Zoo
Sunday, January 30, 2011
One new year's celebration is behind us but now it's time to gear up for the Asian New Year, which officially begins Feb. 3. Beardsley Zoo does the honors when it holds a family party to ring in the Year of the Rabbit. Featured entertainment are colorful stories, crafts, a children's parade, and other activities. In China, the tradition holds that the new year be celebrated with family reunions, fire crackers to ward off evil spirits and often a dragon parade. According to holidayspot.com, the Chinese zodiac sign of the rabbit "symbolizes graciousness, good manners, sound counsel, kindness and sensitivity to beauty."
The Chinese Culture Center explains that the Chinese Lunar Calendar and the 12 animal signs that comprise it, are determined by the cycles of the moon. A new year begins between late January and the beginning of February. Though China adopted the western calendar in the early 20th century, the Chinese calendar still comes into play around traditional holidays.
Learn more about Chinese new year customs and enjoy this special year's celebration for the gracious rabbit at The Beardsley Zoo's Asian New Year event. It runs from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5 and is included in zoo admission which is $9-11. For more information, visit the Zoo's website.
The Chinese Culture Center explains that the Chinese Lunar Calendar and the 12 animal signs that comprise it, are determined by the cycles of the moon. A new year begins between late January and the beginning of February. Though China adopted the western calendar in the early 20th century, the Chinese calendar still comes into play around traditional holidays.
Learn more about Chinese new year customs and enjoy this special year's celebration for the gracious rabbit at The Beardsley Zoo's Asian New Year event. It runs from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5 and is included in zoo admission which is $9-11. For more information, visit the Zoo's website.
