Happy New Year! Let's Have Some Fun!!

What do you mean, I've missed it by over a month? Not according to the Chinese lunar calendar. Now, class, take out your encyclopedia, er, make that your Wikipedia: "Chinese New Year, known in Chinese as the Spring Festival (Simplified Chinese: 春节; Traditional Chinese: 春節; pinyin: Chūnjié) or the Lunar New Year (Simplified Chinese: 农历新年; Traditional Chinese: 農曆新年; pinyin: Nónglì xīnnián), is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. The festival proper begins on the first day of the first lunar month (Chinese: 正月; pinyin: zhēng yuè) in the Chinese calendar and ends on the 15th, on the Lantern Festival. Chinese New Year's Eve is known as Chúxì (除夕). Chu literally means "change" and xi means "eve". Celebrated internationally in areas with large populations of ethnic Chinese, Chinese New Year is considered a major holiday for the Chinese, and has had a strong influence on the new year celebrations of its neighbours. These include Japanese, Koreans, Miao (Chinese Hmong), Mongolians, Vietnamese, Tibetans, the Nepalese and the Bhutanese (see Losar). Chinese New Year is also the time of the the largest human migration, when overseas Chinese all around the world travel home to have reunion dinners with their families on Chinese New Year's eve."

Legend has it that in ancient times, Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve came, and Buddha named a year after each one. He announced that the people born in each animal's year would have some of that animal's personality. This will be the year of the pig. Lily Grace was born in the year of the monkey and she definitely has some of the monkey's traits - she's hilariously funny most of the time, but then cute and cuddley as well! Connie was born in the year of the dragon. Dragons tend to be popular individuals who are always full of life and enthusiasm, with a reputation for being fun-loving. Austin was born in the year of the rooster. The sign of the Rooster indicates a person who is hard-working and definite about their decisions. Roosters are not afraid to speak their minds and can therefore sometimes come across as boastful. They make good restaurant owners and world travellers. I'm not sure about the restaurant part, but Austin is sure a worldly traveler! I was born in the year of the rabbit, but I can't figure out any traits of the rabbit I have. I'm not fast, I'm not a vegetarian, and I have little ears! But, rabbits are affectionate, co-operative and pleasant, with lots of friends. I promise, I'm not making this up!


I thought 2006 was the year of the dog?

In Athens, AL, we're planning our own little migration, with the Athens FCC (Families with Children from China) hosting a New Year's festival this Saturday, February 17th at Lindsay Lane Baptist Church. Thanks to Athens FCC and to Lindsay Lane for making this happen. Athens FCC is just simply the coolest group of Christian families supporting each other with our newest, little Americans and we're honored to be considered a part of them! We're very excited about the festivities (and even the food, don't worry Austin, we'll stop by Mickie D's on the way home if we need to!). We hope to have some families from Decatur's new FCC chapter to attend as well. If all goes well, we could have as many as 30 to 40 families!!!!

This is very exciting to us, because last year, we attended this event with Athens FCC, before Lily Grace had joined us. All we could do was watch with envy (forgive us Lord for our envy), as the other parents chased their little "Americans" around the gym. I specifically remember seeing Gracie May and thinking she was so cute, she looked like a little toy. Of course, we also spent time there with Julia and Amanda, our new little Upward basketball friends, and Mary Beth (Connie's newest best friend).

Last year, each family had the opportunity to introduce themselves and their little children or plans for children. I was wondering what I would say when Connie, in her excitement, popped up from her seat and introduced us and our plans for Lily Grace. Of course, this picture was all we had of Lily at the time. But that was enough to get through the paperwork maze. Every time something would come up that appeared to be a delay, all we had to do was take out our littl picture and look at it. It's kind of funny, but the expression on Lily's face always reminded me of my brother, Wes. I don't know why, just did. Wes doesn't talk much, but Lily does! I wonder if I'll get to speak this time or not?!?!

One interesting Chinese New Years custom: On New Year's Day, we are not supposed to wash our hair because it would mean we would have washed away good luck for the New Year. So, if anyone sees us on the 18th of February, keep that in mind! Also, Red clothing is preferred during this festive occasion. Red is considered a bright, happy color, sure to bring the wearer a sunny and bright future. It is believed that appearance and attitude during New Year's sets the tone for the rest of the year. Children and unmarried friends, as well as close relatives are given lai see, little red envelopes with crisp one dollar bills inserted, for good fortune. Oh, to be young again!

Happy New Year,

Love

Jerry, Connie, Austin, and Lily Grace