Raiders ready to ring in the Year of the Dragon

According to the Chinese zodiac, 2012 is the “Year of the Dragon.” The lunar New Year is always cause for celebration, but this year will be extra special.

In many Asian cultures, the dragon is a symbol of success, royalty, happiness and good luck. In China, the dragon represents the emperor and the country itself.

According to the Chinese zodiac, 2012 is the “Year of the Dragon.” The lunar New Year is always cause for celebration, but this year will be extra special.

Wright State University’s Asian/Hispanic/Native American Center (AHNA Cener) is planning to welcome the New Year in style with their Chinese-Vietnamese New Year Celebration. There will be food, music and folk dance from China and Vietnam.

“We want to share the traditions and why they are preserved as part of the Asian American experience,” said Mai Nguyen, director of the AHNA Center. “We want to let people know that any kind of celebration can be enjoyed by all Americans, no matter what ethnicity.”

Festivities will run from 11:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 23 in the Apollo Room. Students will present tai chi demonstrations, Chinese songs, and a humorous reading of their original Kitchen God Report.

Nguyen explains that the kitchen god is a deity who watches over the household and makes an annual report to the divine Jade Emperor about what has happened in that house during the year. Students have taken on the role of the kitchen god and written a report detailing the national and international news of 2011.

“Our students put together a report to the Jade Emperor about what is happening in the U.S. and internationally and at Wright State,” said Nguyen. “It should be funny.”

The New Year celebration is educational but also entertaining, said Nguyen. “We want people to understand that there are similarities between New Year’s celebrations, although they are celebrated at different times of the year.”

Students, staff and faculty will be admitted free to the lunar New Year celebration with their Wright State ID. Food from Timmy’s Wok will be available to purchase.