The City of Richardson will be hosting the Chinese New Year with different culture practices according to a Dallas Morning News article from February 5 which reports,
“Richardson’s upcoming Chinese New Year Festival will celebrate the Year of the Tiger with dances, art, cuisine and traditions from regions throughout Asia.
Chef Andrew Chen of Monkey King Noodle Company will offer a demonstration on noodle pulling — also known as La Mian — which is a key element of the Chinese New Year, an announcement about the festival states. Vendors, cultural performances and activities for all ages will also be part of the celebration.
The event will take place Saturday, Feb. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at DFW Chinatown, 400 N. Greenville Ave.
More than 20 establishments from Richardson’s Chinatown, Interurban, Downtown, Heights and Lockwood neighborhoods will be represented, according to the announcement. Other culinary offerings, baked goods and treats will also be available from a variety of local businesses.”
However, noodle pulling won’t be the only spotlight for this event since a lot of cultural performances and activities will be held for the festival. The list was posted on the website. They say,
“Chinese Paper Cutting
One popular way to decorate for Chinese New Year is cutting characters and imagery from red paper to hang in windows.
Chinese Calligraphy
Calligraphy, the Greek word for beautiful writing, has been considered the supreme art form in China as far back as the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 AD).
Lantern Painting
Throughout the ages, the Chinese have used lanterns not only as sources of light or simple paper decoration, they symbolize vitality, social status and good luck. Around the world, the round, red lantern remains one of the most easily recognized trademarks of Chinese culture.
Paper Tiger Lanterns
Children will have the opportunity to create paper tigers to celebrate the Year of the Tiger.
Passing Red Envelopes
At Lunar New Year, it’s tradition to give the gift of a bright, beautiful red envelope (known as hóngbāo) to your friends and family. But not just any old envelope. These are filled with money – and symbolize good wishes and luck for the new year ahead. The importance of the hóngbāo isn’t the cash held inside; it’s actually the envelope itself. The red color symbolizes good luck and prosperity in Chinese (and other East Asian) cultures. The custom of giving red envelopes originates in some of the oldest stories of Chinese New Year. Learn more about the Lucky Red Envelop.
Pictures with Displays
Several models and displays will be out for visitors to take photos with. Make sure you tag the Dallas Chinese Community Center (https://www.facebook.com/dallasccc) and #RichardsonCoreDistrict on your social media pages!”
Parking and event maps, along with more information about Richardson’s Chinese New Year Festival, are available on the Richardson Core District’s website.
