FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM JANUARY 31, 2019 • LUNAR NEW YEAR • THE QUEENS COURIER 43
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Lunar New Year
Great Lunar New Year events in Queens this February
BY MORGAN CHITTUM
editorial@qns.com
@QNS
Tuesday, Feb. 5, marks the beginning of
the the Lunar New Year and Year of the
Pig, which means Queens will be exploding
with lively events celebrating this
ancient Asian tradition.
Lunar New Year signifi es the start of
the Chinese calendar year. Each year is
defi ned by a specifi c animal. Th ese 12
zodiac signs include rat, ox, tiger, rabbit,
dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey,
rooster, dog and pig.
Although the timeline is up for
debate, the Lunar New Year has been
observed since roughly the Shang
Dynasty in 1766 B.C. Th e origins are
not fully known, however, old tales say
the beginning of the tradition sprung
from a fi ght facing a beast called “Year.”
“Year” wreaked havoc, causing destruction
to property and people. His victims
found that he feared fi re, loud sounds
and the color red, thus launching a
series of traditions such as lighting fi reworks
and large, red-colored parades.
And the order of the signs? Legend
has it the order of the calendar is based
off of who arrived to the Jade Emperor’s
party fi rst. Th e pig, being the 12th animal
on the calendar, got there last.
Th e Year of the Pig predicts good
luck for those born on its 12-year cycle:
1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995,
2007 and 2019. Individuals who are
born on the Year of the Pig are assumed
to be charismatic, energetic and up for
any task regardless of its excitement.
Th is year the borough has several
events to off er residents of all ages for
Lunar New Year.
On Feb. 9, Flushing is having its free
annual Lunar New Year parade, which
has historically brought out large bustling
crowds. Th e event features brightly
colored fl oats, steel drummers, fi recrackers
and dragon dancers. Starting
at 9:30 a.m., the day will begin with coffee
and donuts as a warm-up reception
for attendees at the Greater Flushing
Chamber of Commerce. Th e parade will
commence at 11 a.m. on Union Street
and 37th Avenue in Flushing.
Th at same day, Queens Botanical
Garden in Flushing will hold Lunar
New Year-themed workshops, craft s
and performances. Th ey will be selling
lucky plants all week in honor of the
holiday. Queens Botanical Garden is
located at 43-50 Main St. in Flushing;
visit queensbotanical.org for details.
Finally, Flushing Town Hall will host
a Chinese New Year Temple Bazaar
on Feb. 17. Th e Bazaar will off er lantern
making, art-making and will provide
food to celebrate the occasion. Th e
event will have two sessions for guests,
one at 11 a.m. and the other at 2 p.m.
Attendees will also have the opportunity
to contribute to the Red Envelope
Show.
Flushing Town Hall is located at 137-
35 Northern Blvd. For more details,
visit fl ushingtownhall.org.
The Lunar New Year Parade in downtown Flushing is one of the many Lunar New Year events taking place in Queens this February.
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