CHINESE NEW YEAR 4701 CELEBRATED AT ALL SOULS

The second annual Chinese New Year party at All Souls on Sunday, February 16, attracted eighty celebrants of all ages to welcome the year of the sheep (yáng-nián), also known as the year of the goat or ram. Friendship Hall was gaily decorated with paper dragons and pictures of goats. Party food included dumplings, tangerines representing gold, candied lotus seeds, and noodles signifying longevity. Volunteers assisted at the party sponsored by the Religious Education Committee, the Deacons and the Denominational Affairs Committee. It was a treat for me to share my heritage with my All Soul's family.

Those born in the year of the sheep are said to be happy with creature comforts, wise and compassionate, gifted in the arts and blessed with good taste. Preparations for the holiday begin a month before. Houses are cleaned from top to bottom to banish any trace of bad luck. Presents are purchased and homes are decorated. On New Year's Eve, fish, symbolizing abundance, is always part of a huge feast. The noise of fireworks at midnight is thought to chase away evil spirits.