Celebrating the Year of the Rooster

According to the Chinese zodiac, the Rooster is a symbol of confidence, energy, ambition and intelligence. This year, the Lunar New Year began on January 28, 2017 and it is the Year of Rooster. Lunar New Year is the most important holiday for many countries in Asia and is also celebrated in Asian communities across the globe.

To celebrate here in Scarsdale, Greenacres Elementary School held its eleventh annual Lunar New Year Celebration on Friday, 1/27. Ms. Bautista's third grade class led the lion parade. The kids followed the bold and vibrant Southern China lion throughout the school, banging drums, gongs and cymbals. In Chinese culture, the lion parade is believed to bring good luck and fortune for the coming year and to scare away any evil spirits.

Each year, many Greenacres parents collaborate to decorate the lunchroom, entrances and bulletin board; make cultural presentations in their children's classrooms; give out red envelopes, tangerines and other goodies that symbolize good luck and prosperity. This fun, festive holiday falls on a different day in January or February of each year. It is always something that the students look forward to celebrating during the cold, bleak winter.

You too can experience the year of the Rooster in town at the Chinese New Year Festival on Saturday, February 11, between 2 and 5 pm at the Scarsdale Congregational Church. Families can taste authentic Chinese food, win prizes from riddle solving, make lanterns, and enjoy performances. The event is open to the public and is sponsored by the Scarsdale Chinese Association. For tickets, please visit www.scarsdalechinese.org.