Happy Chinese New Year!
Tuesday, February 5th, 2019 marks the beginning of the year of the pig. Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival is celebrated by an estimated 2 billion people annually, including some of our very own HAECC students!
In an effort to continue fostering teamwork throughout our community here at HAECC our School Connections Team has planned a local celebration of the Chinese New Year. Students and staff from our SIS (Social Integration Services) class, Melissa’s Sunshine Camp, Adult General Education and Options/Sunshine classes are currently collaborating to put together a delicious meal and activities in celebration of the upcoming holiday which will take place on Tuesday, February 19th. This day aims to inform our students about the traditions, customs, and culture of this holiday.
Throughout celebrations for the Chinese New Year red decorations are displayed, and red envelopes of money are exchanged as symbols of good wishes and luck. The year of the pig is represented by the zodiac animal with the same name. The pig is the twelfth and last of the zodiac animals, according to one myth, the Jade emperor said that the order of the zodiac animals would be determined by the order in which they arrived at his party. Pig was late to this party because he overslept, positioning him last in the order of all the zodiacs.
Recent years of the pig include; 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, and 2007. People born during the year of the pig often; enjoy life, love entertainment, occasionally treat themselves, are a bit materialistic which acts as motivation for them to work hard, and they are usually energetic and enthusiastic.
All students are invited to participate in the Chinese New Year celebration on Tuesday, February 19th, 2019.
Stay tuned for next month when we celebrate St. Patty’s Day and Ireland!