TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1999

Asians celebrate year of rabbit

By Lot Tan

On-Line Forty-Niner

Although millions ushered in the new year on the first of January, Asian-Americans will be kicking off new year festivities this week in honor of the year of the rabbit.

Chinese New Year begins today and will last 15 days as it marks the beginning of a new lunar year.

"Some people will visit temples and pray to ancestors," Cal State Long Beach sophomore Wendy Chung said. "Every time it's New Year's we gather with the family and everybody is excited."

The lunar calendar is of great importance in Chinese culture because it has been used since the time of the Yellow Emperor who is believed to have been born 4,685 years ago.

A name from one of 12 animals within the Chinese zodiac is given to each new lunar year.

Nineteen-ninety nine marks the year of the rabbit.

According to the Chinese zodiac, people also possess the characteristics of the various animal signs depending on what year they are born under. People born under the year of the rabbit are said to be lucky, talented, trustworthy, articulate, quick-tempered and emotional.

In honor of the furry creature this year, firecrackers will explode in the air, parades will march down the streets, people will don colorful costumes and presents will be given to children.

New Year's Day is an important time for Asian cultures because people are able to interact and socialize with others as they greet neighbors, friends and even strangers, wishing them a happy new year.

"Chinese [culture] emphasizes a lot of cohesiveness with the family," Professor of Asian and Asian-American Studies San-Pao Li said. "When I was in college the whole village goes around and wishes everybody a happy new year."

Chinese children are especially excited because they receive a little red envelope containing money.

Symbolism plays a huge role during Chinese New Year.

The famous dragon is considered good fortune, creative, full of energy and has the force of the yang.

The yang force represents all the positive qualities, such as brightness, happiness and strength.

Fruit and vegetables can also symbolize various things during this time.

Apples, also known as "ping," signifies peace and harmony. Peanuts inside their shells symbolize longevity.

Firecrackers are also believed to scare away the evil spirit.

Debris from the firecrackers are not supposed to be swept because it represents good fortune.

"We wish everyone a happy and prosperous year of the rabbit," Li said.