On January 25th, many around the world will celebrate the Chinese New Year, which ushers in the year of the Rat. "Gong hei fat choy," is the proper greeting to those you meet on this day, which means, "May you have a happy and prosperous year." Looser translations of "gōngxǐ fācái"suggest, "May you get rich in the New Year," as being the meaning, pulling luck from the God of Wealth-- Cai Shen. Since I was born in 1972, I was born in the year of the Rat, which only cycles every 12 years. And yet, every year I am memorized by the color, energy, and celebrations surround the Chinese New Year.
The Asian Pacific Market on E. Platte and Wooten, offers many eye-catching displays of celebration, including a performance by the Colorado Asian Cultural Center. Every year, the parking lot over-flows with on-lookers, curious about the celebration and the free festivities.
Here's a young boy, being a boy at the celebration:
On Monday, the Taiko Society performed at the Town Hall, Downtown. Here's a clip:
I am a lover of the Taiko drumming, and I look forward to these exciting demonstrations every year. I hope you enjoy. gōngxǐ fācái !