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Photograph by Kathy De La Torre
David Yin (right) shows David La how to use a Chinese yo-yo during the Chinese New Year's celebration at Saratoga High School.
SHS continues tradition
By Leigh Ann Maze
The year of the dragon roared in Feb. 11 at Saratoga High School as faculty and staff celebrated Chinese New Year with a luncheon prepared by parent volunteers. Chinese New Year's Eve fell on Feb. 4 and New Year's day was Feb. 5, according to the traditional lunar calendar. The New Year's celebration traditionally lasts for two weeks culminating in a lantern festival on the 15th day. It is also observed by many Asian cultures as a festival to mark the coming of spring. It is a traditional time for clearing debts, cleaning house, cooking food and spending time with family and friends.
This Chinese New Year heralds the year of the dragon, the most powerful of the 12 animal symbols on the lunar calendar and the only mythical animal. The dragon is said to bring promise and prosperity and a year that is favorable toward business and money matters. Many Chinese families believe the year of the dragon is a favorable year to give birth.
A beautiful drawing of a dragon adorned the cafeteria wall created by Hsin-Huei Liao, a SHS parent. Liao also designed the dragon lanterns which members of the PTSA made by hand and used to decorate the luncheon tables.
The teachers, staff and students dined on traditional Chinese food including egg rolls, fried noodles, fried rice, shrimp balls, chicken salad, salmon and barbecued buns. Fish is a traditional part of the Chinese New Year meal symbolizing abundance, according to Ching-Li Chang, PTSA co-president and organizer of the Chinese New Year event.
Other Asian dishes were also served including Japanese sushi and Korean vegetable cakes and barbecued beef. The meal was topped off with an assortment of American deserts. A local restaurant donated some food, and some was homemade by parents and PTSA members.
According to Chang, the tradition of celebrating the Chinese New Year at SHS began three years ago when a group of Asian parents organized the event. For the past two years the PTSA and many parents of diverse backgrounds who volunteer to help have put on the festivities. "I never have a problem finding enough volunteers," Chang said.
Traditional Chinese folk art was also a part of the celebration. Student Angel Yeh performed music on a traditional Chinese instrument; Benjamin Liu demonstrated Chinese brush-painting, and other special guests also gave demonstrations.
This year's celebration was not only for the Chinese New Year, but also was a way for the PTSA and parents to say thank you, happy New Year and happy Valentine's Day to the staff. Each staff member was presented with individually wrapped Valentine's Day tortes made by PTSA members. Attached to each was a red envelope containing money, in this case, gold covered chocolate coins--a Chinese New Year tradition for good luck.
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Saratoga, California Since 1955
