On Tuesday, Feb. 5, from 12-1:00 p.m., the FSC Commons will come to life with Chinese New Year festivities hosted by the Asian Studies program at Drury. The celebration will include a lion dance performance and Chinese calligraphy. If you’re lucky, you might even get a coveted red envelope.

Dr. Hue-Ping Chin, director of the Asian Studies program, and Fulbright Scholar Tina Chiou are excited to share their Chinese culture with Drury students.

Traditions of the Lunar New Year

While many countries celebrate the new year with the turn of the calendar, China and other Asian countries, such as Taiwan, start fresh with the first new moon of the year and continue for two weeks until the following full moon.

There are many traditions that tie into this Chinese celebration.

“While Western countries are thinking about Christmas, Chinese families are preparing for the New Year. The families will clean their homes and get their nice dishes out in preparation, because they won’t be cleaning at all during the two weeks. It’s a time to relax,” explained Dr. Chin.

Instead of exchanging gifts, the Chinese exchange crisp cash in red envelopes. According to Dr. Chin, the amount differs from family to family, but it is important that the cash be fresh and new.

However, it seems good luck is an integral part of the celebration.

“Because we want to attract more luck to the upcoming year, we are superstitious. We do things like eat dumplings – the shape of them reminds us of a gold nugget. We wear red undergarments and put up red couplets in our homes. Not everyone does these, but if you are especially superstitious,” explained Professor Chiou.

“You also wear new clothes for the new year, no matter how fortunate or unfortunate you are. You don’t want the old things to come back to you in the new year,” added Dr. Chin. “It is also an old practice to settle debt, like returning things you may have borrowed from people, before the year begins so you are completely clean and free of burden.”

Ancient Lore

This superstition isn’t all for naught. Chinese legend has it that on the night before the new moon, a monster lurks. Professor Chiou told The Mirror the story.

“It is always sleeping, but on New Year’s Eve, it can come out and eat people. It’s very scary! But in Chinese lore, there was a brave elder. He was not afraid of the monster. He kept red banners on his door to keep the monster away and frightened it with firecrackers. People learned to wear red, but they organized large feasts with their families. The feasts last all night, so they might be awake to scare off the monster if he comes. The next day is the New Year, where you celebrate that you survived the monster and another year. People often congratulate each other,” said Chiou.

Celebration on campus

Another way to scare off the monster is the Lion Dance. Fortunately, Drury students don’t have to fear.

“The Lion Dance troupe will perform in the Commons at noon. It’s heavy duty work and requires a lot of team work. Afterwards, the troupe will move to the lobby and students are encouraged to engage in a hands-on experience, and try on the lion’s head,” said Dr. Chin.

Students are also invited to try their hand at calligraphy at a booth outside the Commons.

Other Asian Studies events

The Asian Studies program will host other Chinese culture events throughout the semester. On March 4, Professor Chiou will speak about Temple Culture, especially in Taiwan. On April 5, she will enlighten the campus on the Chinese equivalent of Memorial Day, known as the Tomb-Sweeping Festival.

“It’s a day to feel grateful and thankful for your ancestors, to connect with your past and commemorate your ancestor’s deeds,” explained Chiou.

Many exciting things are happening within the Asian Studies department. Be sure to head to the FSC Commons on Feb. 5 to experience Chinese culture. And don’t forget to wear red – we would hate for anyone to get eaten.

Written by Delilah Gadd.