Celebrate Lunar New Year

If you live in or near Philadelphia's Chinatown, you know that tonight is the big night. At midnight, drums, dragons, lions and fireworks will usher in the "Year of the Horse". If you want to see the "Night" parade, go to 10th and Arch tonight ( Chinatown Gate) at 11:00. If you can't make it tonight, a "Day" parade will be held this Sunday at 11 A.M .

Traditionally, tonight is the night for families to gather and feast on special foods. Everything on the table from food to decorations will have symbolic meaning and is there to bring wealth, and good fortune to the family. Many dishes are only prepared at this time of year. Everything must be as fresh as possible. Usually, there are at least 10 courses, each carefully prepared and eagerly anticipated. Many years ago, I had a chance to go to a traditional New Year's banquet and it was a great experience. If you want to try it for yourself, Sang Kee Restaurant will be hosting one on Feb 5th from 6 to 9 P.M.

If you do find yourself in Chinatown for either parade, expect lots of noise ! Traditionally, firecrackers are used to wake up the celestial dragons, who bring good luck and prosperity. You will also see lions - dancing and capering on the street. Lions also bring good fortune, home an business owners will hang strings of firecrackers off their properties often with a head of lettuce symbolizing wealth attached to it. To ensure luck and prosperity, invite the lions into your home or business. The fun is watching the lions dance along the street, visiting shops and homes, jumping up to "eat" the lettuce and dancing to the sound of long strings of firecrackers, gongs and drums. The louder the celebration, the better the new year will be. If you go, be sure to wear red, for good fortune,

So, come and celebrate the year 4712, the year of the Horse. This is supposed to be a very good year!