Happy Chinese New Year!
What? What’s that you say?
Chinese New Year was February 3rd? This post is late, late, late?
Well, my friends you are wrong. The Chinese, in all of their infinite wisdom, had the foresight all those thousands of years ago to make Chine New Year 15 days long. You heard right. Fifteen days.
So if you do the math, you will discover that this post is not late at all. It’s just at the end of the celebration, not the beginning. And I hope you have a few minutes because I got a few (OK, 30 some) pictures to show you.
Yes, we have been rockin’ the Year of the Rabbit the entire time. So here is the big wrap up of all of the festivities.
We started by decorating the house. These are authentic lanterns purchased in China.
And this is an authentic fire cracker-y looking door hanging purchased from the local Asian Market.
And these are some cheesy Chinese New Year decorations purchased from a really cheap party catalog.
To start the new year, Molly and I cleaned the house. This is a Chinese tradition which is intended to sweep out the bad luck. And it’s a great way to get your kid to help you with the housework. Another example of Chinese wisdom, if you ask me.
Next, we prepared a dinner of traditional Chinese food. We had noodles to give us long life, dumplings for prosperity, and beef with broccoli because, well it is one of the few Chinese dishes that I am good at making.
Here’s my little dumpling eating her little dumpling. Molly is actually pretty good at using chopsticks but opted for the one chopstick spear method for this one.
The next day, Molly wore a traditional silk dress to school and was the envy of all of the little girls in her class.
Later in the week, Molly completed this Chinese Zodiac project. Molly is a Dog and I am a Dragon. The Dragon is the only sign that the Dog is supposed to avoid. Hmmmm, maybe that’s why we are always butting heads!
Last weekend our Families With Children from China (FCC) hosted a huge Chinese New Year Celebration. Our organization is very large and I can’t even begin to list all of the wonderful things they do. Molly’s Chinese language, dance and choir classes are all organized by FCC. In addition, they sponsor many, many events throughout the year. Molly’s China playgroup sprang from our association with our FCC. Their influence on Molly has been huge. She is so proud of her culture and has such confidence about being in a mixed-race family.
For as shy as Molly can be sometimes, she loves to perform. She was excited that she got to be in two performances at CNY this year. Here are the girls in her dance class posing for pictures before their time on stage.
Last year Mia was in dance, but Molly wasn’t. She was overjoyed that this year she would be dancing with Mia. Can you tell?
Before all of the performances began, the girls had plenty of time for crafts.
Year of the Rabbit
Molly and Mia coloring dragon fans.
After crafts, we ate a big Chinese meal (alas, no beef with broccoli) and then it was time for the main event.The performances started out with the traditional Lion Dance. So much fun to watch!
A few last minute instructions before they danced.
And the moment you have all been waiting for…the big dance!
What grace!
What coordination!
What timing…well, two out of three ain’t bad! Yes, that’s Molly turning while everyone else is facing forward!
Back on track.
Bravo! Encore! Encore!
The dynamic duo after their performance.
Lots of other groups also had their turn on stage. Every age group has their own dance class. It is so fun to see where Molly will be heading in the years to come.
Here’s the amazing Chinese yoyo guy. I wish I had video. It’s hard to believe that a guy with two sticks, some string and an hourglass-shaped spool could be so entertaining, but he had us all mesmerized!
Molly’s next performance was with her choir. This is a multi-aged group and they did an outstanding job. The older girls helped the younger ones so much throughout the year. They are such good role-models. Here’s a little sample of Molly singing, sort of.
What she lacked in volume, she made up with motions.
Taking a bow.
The older girls also had their own vocal performance. Very talented!
Molly and Mia entranced by all of the performances.
The event ended with the kids getting Hong Bao and rice fish.
The girls get their goodies.
Then show them off for the mammas.
Our Happy Family!
“Fireworks” 
Time for one last picture with Avery before heading out the door.
And that’s our Chines New Year…All fifteen days of it.
Xīn Nián Kuài Lè!
1 comment:
Oh man, those dance pictures were way too cute! I applaud you (and the FCC) for organizing such great pathways to these childrens' culture. Molly is very lucky.
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