Lunar New Year
The Chinese new year, or Lunar new year, is celebrated by the Chinese people and the people of the other Asian countries influenced by Chinese culture, such as Japan, Korea, Vietnam and of course Taiwan. The Chinese new year is based on the lunar calendar, which is counted on the revolution of the moon around the earth. The lunar new year doesn't coincide with the new year of the Gregorian calendar (or the new year of the Western cultures). For this year of 1999, the lunar new year will begin on February 16th and its name is the Year of the Cat. We really don't know why the Vietnamese people call this year, the year of the Cat, while the Chinese call it the year of the Rabbit or Hare.

The people of the above-mentioned Asian countries celebrate the lunar new year in extravagant fashion, including family parties, public reunions, fairs and famous Dragon Dances. According to the ancient belief, the Dragon Dance will drive away demons, bad luck, and bring to the people happiness, prosperity, longevity and richness.

During the first three days of the new year, when people meet each other they have to say "Happy new year" like the people in western countries.

A Tet celebration will be organized by the Vietnamese students of Abraham Lincoln High School on Friday, February 12th 1999, at 9:00 AM at the auditorium of the school located on 2285 S. Federal Blvd. CO. 80219. Everybody interested in that New Year celebration will be welcome. The celebration includes the Dragon Dance, live entertainment and New Year party.