Happy Chinese New Year

Taylor is doing the dragon dance.

LOVE, FAITH, AND PEACE
SPRING, GOOD FORTUNE AND GOOD LUCK

Chinese New Year began today and we had my sister and her family over for dinner. We did not eat a traditional dinner, we are saving that for tomorrow night. I think James and I both would prefer that Mr. PFChang himself prepare our traditional dinner. Yummy, I can't wait.



Tonight we learned a little about our zodiacs. This year is the year of the Rat according to the Chinese zodiac and Trey and I were both born in the year of the Rat. I am copying this from someone else's blog but here is what is said about the Rat. (personally I am kind of thinking of it as year of the Mouse-sounds nicer). Though the Western rat is reviled as little more than a bottom-dwelling disease carrier, this animal is viewed much differently in the East. The Eastern rat is revered for its quick wits and its ability to accrue and hold on to items of value; rats are considered a symbol of good luck and wealth in both China and Japan. Clever and quick-witted, the Rat of the Chinese Zodiac is utterly disarming to boot. Possessed of excellent taste, this Sign flaunts its style at every turn. Its natural charm and sharp, funny demeanor make it an appealing friend for almost anyone. The Rat likes to know who is on its side and will treat its most loyal friends with an extra measure of protection and generosity.



For crafts tonight we made signs to put around the doors, Hunter and Trey actually wrote them in Chinese caligraphy and they did a great job. They just put words of things we are thankful for or hopefull for in the new year. We also made lanterns. It is a Chinese tradition that the younger, unmarried people will recieve money in a red envelope, in even numbers except for 4 which is bad luck. So the kids all got a red envelope. Lastly, there is a old myth of a monster that comes down from the mountainside and to keep him away people shoot fireworks. We used a party popper for this effect which you can see from the picture sprayed confetti all over the kitchen.


We had fun learning about new holiday traditions which really when it's all said and done is all about the family and food! Sound familiar?