With the Chinese New Year quickly approaching, the campus and community are gearing up to partake in festivities hosted by the University’s Chinese Students and Scholars Association.
On Saturday, the UOCSSA will host a Chinese New Year celebration, themed “Palace Banquet,” that will host a multitude of performances and showcases of the traditional Chinese culture.
This year, Chinese New Year falls on Sunday. In China, the traditional festivities last for 15 days. Spending time with family, giving gifts and eating traditional Chinese food are all aspects of the New Year that are celebrated both in China and at the UOCSSA’s event.
Andy Liu, UOCSSA public relations director and event coordinator, said Chinese New Year is “like Christmas and Thanksgiving together.”
“Most students who are coming are international students from China, so they don’t get to go home,” Liu said. “This is a good time to celebrate a family festival with their friends.”
The festival is the biggest event for the UOCSSA and the Chinese community, Liu said.
The organizers expect 400 to 500 people to attend, including many students. Chinese teachers, restaurant owners and a member of the Chinese Consulate in San Francisco will also attend.
“It’s a really significant festival for our culture,” UOCSSA President Oscar Cao said. “We want to have a reunion with other cultures, as well, because other cultures celebrate Chinese New Year, too.”
Before entering the event, guests will experience what the Chinese street life is like, with street performances and bands scattered throughout the lobby.
Festivities will continue with an array of activities, including dance performances, cross-talk shows, instrumental music and a fashion show. The dinner menu features items such as spring rolls, barbecue duck, pork rice noodle stew and pot stickers.
“People who are interested in the Chinese culture can come and learn about the Chinese tradition,” Liu said. “It’s important for people to see the passion when celebrating Chinese New Year so they can be a part of it.”
Olivia Zhang, editor of the UOCSSA Journal, said the Chinese culture was
important to the community and the campus, as the Chinese culture was becoming widespread at the University.
“Celebrating (Chinese New Year) has a very significant cultural meaning for Eugene and Springfield,” Zhang said. “It will provide students with a deeper
understanding of the Chinese tradition.”
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New year, Chinese tradition
Daily Emerald
February 11, 2010
Jack Hunter
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