New Year celebrated in Chinatown throughout February

By Jen McShane
Collegian Staff
February 13, 2007

While many people celebrate the new year each Jan. 1, the Chinese New Year celebrations kicked off Feb. 7 and will continue until the moon is at its brightest peak, around Feb. 15. This year marks 4706, the year of the rat in the Chinese calendar. Philadelphia, led by the Chinatown section of the city, is joining the celebrations with events scheduled citywide.

This year, the Chinese New Year celebrations in Philadelphia began with the Lion Dance and parade. Fireworks light up the sky, as colorful costumes dance through the streets. Perhaps the lions and dragons are among the city favorites, dancing through the streets in sequined costumes. The parade will take place again Feb. 17 and Feb. 24 at noon in Chinatown at Arch Street.

The Independence Seaport Museum located off Columbus Boulevard will have an exhibit inspired by Chinese New Year Feb. 16. The exhibit begins at 11 a.m. and offers a discount with student ID. The exhibit will feature the melodic Chinese dancing, as well as a tai chi and origami class. For lovers of tea, there will be a Chinese tea ceremony to take part in. However, if you enjoy the parade, the dragon mask-making is the activity of choice at the museum.

The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology put together an extensive collection of Chinese art that will remain at the museum for the duration of the new year celebration. One of the most famous pieces is a 19th-century crystal ball that belonged to a dowager duchess of China. Modern Chinese artists such as Chen Lok Lee and Fan-ling Chen will display some paintings at the museum. Museum-goers can play Chinese games that share culture with visitors. The museum is located on the University of Pennsylvania campus at 30th Street and offers discounts to college students with IDs.

Fifteen days after the new year begins, the Lantern festival will take place in Philadelphia Feb. 21. Thousands of lanterns are lit after the sun sets for displays of lanterns all over Chinatown. Children light lanterns in a parade that winds its way all through the Chinatown streets.

 Not only will there be celebrations in Chinatown, but there is also a free tour for visitors during the new year’s celebrations, allowing people to see where the best food and culture can be found.

There are plenty of free events to celebrate the Chinese New Year all over the city, as well as chances to taste Chinese cuisine and learn more about the culture.

mcshanej2@lasalle.edu