After weeks of midterm preparation, students of the Mandarin Chinese class were very weary from studying. Naturally, they were very reluctant to come back to school after exams.
Lucky for them, Chinese New Year fell on the week of their arrival. For the next two weeks, students will be celebrating Chinese New Year.
Chinese New Year is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. In China, it is known as the ‘Spring Festival’ or ‘Lunar New Year’
This year in particular is extremely special to the Chinese because 2012 marks the year of the Dragon. Mothers in China try to purposefully have their children during the year of the dragon because they believe it is the luckiest year to be born.
Students in the Mandarin class are very lucky indeed for they get the chance to spend the next two weeks celebrating without the hindrance of homework or tests.
“This is my favorite time of year in Chinese class, I love the food and the money my family gives me,” said Nelson Pang, 12.
Students spent their bell making dumplings and enjoying many other Chinese treats such as lucky sticks and shrimp flavored chips.
“I liked how the food was very good but at the same time non-fattening,” said Austin Lum Kin, 10.
Students also played Chinese chess, learned the legend behind Chinese New Year and listened to popular Chinese songs.
Other traditions during this time of year include the passing out of red envelopes with money, gift exchanges, and firecrackers.
“Being Japanese, I am not a huge expert on Chinese New Year but I love it because of its beautiful traditions and exciting festive atmosphere,” said Rieko Sotojima, 10.