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Lunar New Year is opportunity to learn about Asian culture

lunarnewyearThis Friday, many of Augsburg’s Asian students and members of the entire Augsburg community will be celebrating the Lunar New Year—with 2011 marking the year of the rabbit representing grace, culture, and beautiful manners. All are invited to participate in this celebration.

The Lunar New Year is not celebrated solely by the Chinese; different Asian communities each have their own traditions for celebrating this festival. It comes from the lunar calendar and falls on a different day each year. Additionally, each year represents an animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle of 12 years. Continue reading “Lunar New Year is opportunity to learn about Asian culture”

Lunar New Year celebration on Feb. 7

lunarOn Thursday, Feb.7, the Asian Student Association and Pan-Asian Student Services will sponsor a Lunar New Year celebration and panel discussion on campus.

The Lunar New Year is an Asian celebration which starts with the first new moon of the lunisolar year and continues until the first full moon (usually about 14 days). For many Asian cultures, the Lunar New Year is a celebration of change, a moment to renew oneself, and a time to welcome in the coming year with family and friends.

During Augsburg’s Lunar New Year celebration, speakers will explore the varied Lunar New Year traditions of Asian cultures, and a panel will be formed to answer student questions. The celebration will begin at 4:30 p.m. in the main lobby of the Christensen Center with a lion dance performance. Afterwards, from 5 – 6 p.m., the panel discussion, “Ethnic New Year Celebrations and Cultural Traditions,” will be held in the Marshall Room of the Christensen Center. After the discussion, a Lunar New Year-themed dinner will be served in the cafeteria.

The events are free to all Augsburg students, and all are strongly encouraged to enjoy the great dialogue and food. Please RSVP to thao@augsburg.edu or attend the panel discussion if you would like the free dinner.