The Chinese New Year begins February 10, with celebrations continuing for two weeks. It is a time to welcome longevity, wealth, and prosperity and to eliminate negative energy from the past.
This year is the Year of the Snake. Those of you born in 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, 1941, 1929, or 1917 are all snakes. Congratulations! You are thoughtful, refined, wise, rational, and insightful, graceful, exciting, and dark.
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with some of these activities around town. Many are free, and none are more than $10.
Lunar New Year Celebration at the Gregory Heights Library. Celebrate the Lunar New Year traditions of China and Vietnam with traditional dance, food, games and a family craft project. 2013 is the Year of the Snake.
Where: Gregory Heights Library, 7921 NE Sandy Blvd.
When: February 2, 1-3
Cost: Free!
Red fans for the Chinese New Year. Decorate red accordion fans with origami paper, Chinese character rubber stamps, glitter and other materials. The fan is a traditional Chinese symbol and red paper is used to symbolize good luck and happiness throughout the year. Artist Cindy Lommasson brings back this popular craft for the new year.
Where: Kenton Library, 8226 N Denver Ave
When: February 2, 3 PM
Cost: Free!
Red fans for the Chinese New Year. Decorate red accordion fans with origami paper, Chinese character rubber stamps, glitter and other materials. The fan is a traditional Chinese symbol and red paper is used to symbolize good luck and happiness throughout the year. Artist Cindy Lommasson brings back this popular craft for the new year.
Where: Troutdale Library, 2451 SW Cherry Park Rd, Troutdale
When: February 2, 3 PM
Cost: Free!
What: Chinese New Year Cultural Fair at the Oregon Convention Center. An annual showcase of Chinese cultural activities (including music, dancing, and martial arts demonstrations), plus food and vendors.
Where: Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE MLK
When: February 9, 10 AM
Cost: $8, with children 6 and under free
Chinese Puppet Theater at the Clark County Historical Museum. Dragon Art Studio performs traditional Chinese folk tales and other stories with traditional Chinese rod puppets that are hand-crafted by the puppeteers.
Where: Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver WA
When: February 9, 2-4
Cost: $2-4
Celebrate the Chinese New Year at Lan Su Gardens. This annual event for families and kids of all ages includes lion dances each weekend day, martial arts demonstrations, feng shui talks, dance and music performances, plant talks and much more. The festival ends with three nights of specially ticketed after-hours Lantern Viewings. See the website for specific activities and events.
Where: Lan Su Garden, NW 3rd and Everett
When: February 10-24
Cost: Admission rates are free under 6, $7 ages 6-18, $8.50 seniors, $9.50 adults
Chinese New Year Celebration at Oodles 4 Kids. Olde World Puppet Theatre will teach the kids to make an 11-foot-long dragon on poles dance at 1. All day long there will be dragon face painting, dragon crafts, dragon puppet making, book readings of traditional Chinese tales and Chinese goodies and raffles.
Where: Oodles 4 Kids, 7727 SE 13th Ave
When: February 10, 1 PM
Cost: Free!
Lunar New Year Celebration at the Woodstock Library. Wisdom Arts Academy Celebrate the Lunar New Year traditions of China and Vietnam with a traditional lion dance, a musical performance and crafts! 2013 is the Year of the Snake.
Where: Woodstock Library, 6008 SE 49th
When: February 10, 3-4:30
Cost: Free!
Lunar New Year Celebration at the Holgate Library. Elvis Nguyen Celebrate the Lunar New Year traditions of China and Vietnam with a traditional lion dance, music, games, food and crafts! 2013 is the Year of the Snake. Plus decorate red fans for the New Year.
Where: Holgate Library, 7905 SE Holgate
When: February 13, 6-7:30
Cost: Free!
Red fans for the Chinese New Year. Decorate red accordion fans with origami paper, Chinese character rubber stamps, glitter and other materials. The fan is a traditional Chinese symbol and red paper is used to symbolize good luck and happiness throughout the year. Artist Cindy Lommasson brings back this popular craft for the new year.
Where: Midland Library, 805 SE 122nd Ave
When: February 2, 3 PM
Cost: Free!
Lunar New Year Celebration at the Midland Library. Celebrate the Lunar New Year traditions of China and Vietnam with a traditional lion dance, music, games, food and crafts! 2013 is the Year of the Snake.
Where: Midland Library, 805 SE 122nd Ave
When: February 17, 2-4
Cost: Free!
Penny the Puppeteer presents a special show to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
Where: Central Lutheran Church
When: February 18, 10:30
Cost: $5 each or 4 for $17
Photo credit to The Oregonian
