The Seattle Chinese Culture and Arts Association (SCCAA) was founded by a group of enthusiastic volunteers with a goal to showcase Chinese heritage values amongst the multicultural communities in Washington. Bellevue Lifestyle had the opportunity to catch up with one of the founders, Taidi Fang, to learn more about the SCCAA and about their annual Lunar New Year celebration at The Bellevue Collection.
Describe the significance of Lunar New Year in Chinese Culture.
Lunar New Year is the most important and the biggest festival in Chinese Culture.
Observed by billions of people, this festival is marked by themes of family reunion, just
like Thanksgiving in America. As in Chinese tradition, this is the period when
everyone rests from their work, ranging from a week to a month or so. Family
members from near and far travel to be with loved ones in time to usher out
the old year and welcome in the new, with great celebratory flourish; shops do
a flurry of businesses selling gifts, new clothes, and festive foods; kitchens are
bustling with preparations for elaborate feasts; and streets are filled with the
sounds of firecrackers, dragon and lion dance, and nonstop seasonal greetings.
What is the 2023 Lunar New Year animal and what does it represent?
2023 is the year of the Water Rabbit, starting from January 22nd, 2023 (Lunar New
Year), and ending on February 9th, 2024. In Chinese Astrology rabbits are a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity. 2023 is predicted to be a year of hope and luck; bringing what we have lacked in 2022. In addition, the year of the Rabbit will be a good time for all the zodiac signs and an extremely lucky year for most of them.
2023 marks the 12th anniversary of the Lunar New Year event at The Bellevue Collection. Describe the event program and performances.
Since 2012 the SCCAA has enjoyed the opportunity to partner with The Bellevue Collection to celebrate Lunar New Year (also known as the Chinese New Year festival event). This annual ongoing activity has achieved a snowball effect which justifies SCCAA’s effort of giving back to our community through selfless volunteer work and contribution. The great success of our Lunar New Year event owes much to the generous support of many sponsors like The Bellevue Collection, local government officials, and our loyal participants and audiences.
“Good Luck, Good Fortune and Good Health” are the main themes for the Lunar New year celebration. The entire program, whether contemporary or traditional performance, such as Chinese Opera, ethnic dances, traditional Chinese orchestral music, Martial Arts, Lion and Dragon Dance, Paper craft and knot, and the unique genuine Taiwanese Traditional folk performing troupes, all reflect the Lunar New Year joyful spirit and the richness of our 5000-year cultural heritage. We make every effort to ensure these events are as festive, safe, and successful as possible.
Anything else you’d like to share with our readers about the 2023 Lunar New Year event?
Remember you don’t need to be Chinese or of Asian heritage to benefit from Lunar New Year traditions and activities. Our event is open to all. Just be there in Bellevue Square January 14th, from 11 am to 6 pm in the Center Court. We have plenty of celebratory giveaway items like paper lanterns, spring couplets, calendars, and red envelopes ready for participants on a first come first serve basis.