On Monday, Jan. 23 International Studies and Programs will celebrate like it's 4710

In celebration of the ancient tradition of Chinese New Year, International Studies and Programs, in partnership with the Asian Studies Center and the Office for International Students and Scholars at Michigan State University, will offer New Year greetings and tangerines in the International Center Lobby on Monday, January 23 from 11 to 2 pm. Students, faculty and staff are invited to stop to ring in the year of the dragon. 

Other Chinese New Year activities include:
• Undergraduate Students Association Spring Festival Gala 
A showcase of Chinese art and culture featuring a series of performances 
Monday, Jan 23 
Pasant Theater, Wharton Center
6 to 9 pm

• Chinese New Year Celebration
Sponsored by The Asian Studies Center the event includes games and activities for all ages 
Sunday, January 29 
2 pm 
Okemos Library

“The Chinese New Year is the most significant holiday for the Chinese culture,” said Jeffrey Riedinger, dean of International Studies and Programs.

 
‘The Year of the Dragon’ symbolizes prosperity and luck. It encourages the Chinese people to cherish what they have and to share their good fortune.

“With more than 3,000 Chinese students on campus our community is enriched,” said Riedinger. “By getting to know our Chinese students and joining them in an important celebration like the Chinese New Year we all learn more about China and its culture.”
 

The New Year begins with the New Moon on the first day of the New Year and ends on the full moon 15 days later. The celebration is jubilant and lively with the intention of taking a break from work and enjoying time with friends and family. The holiday can be traced back thousands of years through an evolving series of colorful legends and traditions.

The Year of the Dragon starts on January 23 on the Chinese calendar, which is into its 48th Century.