CHINESE NEW YEAR
12 February 2011
family celebration event in the Civic Centre and Town Hall on Saturday 12th February 2011 at 2pm
Happy Chinese New Year
The Chinese New Year has a great history. In the past, people lived in an agricultural society and worked all year long. They only took a break after the harvest and before the planting of seeds. This happens to coincide with the beginning of the lunar New Year. The Chinese New Year is very similar to the Western one, rich in traditions, folklores and rituals. It is a combination of the Western Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year.
The Chinese New Year began on Thursday 3rd February 2011. It welcomes in the Year of the Rabbit. Rabbits have long been beloved creatures within Chinese culture. It is no accident that the wily hare was included as one of the twelve most respected animals of the Chinese zodiac, and among Chinese people, the rabbit represents speed, strength and kindness of heart, all of which are traits typically associated with the furry animal. Previous Years of the Rabbit include: 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999.
To celebrate the Chinese New Year, Carrickfergus Borough Council is hosting a family celebration event in the Civic Centre and Town Hall on Saturday 12th February 2011 at 2pm in association with the CAN Peace III Partnership, the Chinese Welfare Association and Beyond Skin. There will be a wide range of workshops and demonstrations for both the young and old, along with Chinese food and tea tasting.
Fiona Surgenor, Good Relations Officer at Carrickfergus Borough Council, commented “This is a great opportunity for everyone in the Borough to come along to the Civic Centre to sample Chinese Culture at its best. We have a wide range of workshops and interactive sessions for all ages to enjoy ranging from Tai Chi demonstrations to Multi Cultural Music Experiences. This event is a learning experience for all and has been kindly supported by the OFMDFM District Council Good Relations Programme and the EU’s Peace III Programme managed by Special EU Programmes Body through the CAN Peace III Partnership. The event is free of charge and everyone is welcome!”
