By Cassidy Tyrone
The Confucius Institute at Texas A&M University will be hosting a Lunar New Year Celebration Saturday, February 28, in Downtown Bryan. Events, including calligraphy classes and tai chi demonstrations, will be held from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. Special performances by Lee’s Golden Dragon Troupe will be held at 2 p.m., 3 p.m., with a large dragon dance at 4:30 p.m. All performances will be held on 26th Street in front of the Village Café and are free and open to the public.
Historically, the Chinese New Year has been a time to honor ancestors and deities. While maintaining tradition, younger generations use the holiday to gather with family and the community to share Chinese culture and the hopes of a prosperous new year.
In Chinese astrology, each year is accompanied by an animal sign and lucky characteristics. The goat comes eighth in the Chinese zodiac.
According the website China Highlights, the year of the goat will favor creative careers, like actors and illustrators, and those who work with children, like pediatricians and teachers. To ensure luck in the new year use the numbers two and seven, the colors red, brown, and purple, and the flowers carnations and primroses.
The Confucius Institute is an educational outreach effort of Texas A&M that aims to better prepare students and the community for a global future. The organization fosters awareness of Chinese culture through academic programs, language education, and community outreach.
This year the Lunar New Year Celebration has moved to Downtown Bryan after outgrowing the space available on the Texas A&M Campus.
