Blog 2

       January 31st marks the beginning of a new year, that is, if you follow the Chinese calendar (which was last widely used in the early 20th century). Chinese New Year happens annually and officially lasts for 15 days, always starting on a different day each year. It is a major holiday in some parts of the word, and is celebrated by billions of people, mostly by those living in East and Southeast Asia. Families and friends gather together to visit one another, share a meal, watch the highly broadcasted Chinese New Year's show on TV, and give each other red paper envelopes that usually contain money. As per regional customs, many households clean their homes to sweep away ill-fortune and welcome incoming good luck of the new year. People decorate their homes with red paper crafts and lanterns that represent themes such as "wealth," "happiness," and "luck."
        Here in Houston, Chinese New Year is celebrated primarily among individual Asian families, in areas with dense Asian populations and in Chinatown, where an event is held every year featuring firecrackers, lion dances, and plenty of good food. Many families in the Asian community come together to celebrate and share a large meal, much like those in living in East Asia. Though such celebrations sometimes lack the traditions and customs found in homes back in China, no one forgets the festive part of the holiday, where alcohol flows like water and friends and family have a good time in each other's company.

Laurence Zhang
Sports Editor