Brandon Twp.-While most local New Year celebrations are over, some will be celebrating the new year this week.
Jan. 22 marks the upcoming Chinese New Year. It’s Year 4701, according to the Chinese calendar. The new year begins on a different day each year, during the second new moon following the Winter Solstice.
Wai Choi, owner of China Fare in Ortonville, is looking forward ‘a little bit? to the New Year. In China, it’s the biggest day of the year, marked by dances, dragons, and fireworks, he said, although it’s less of a production locally.
‘There’s not too many Chinese over here,? said Choi. ‘We do not do a big celebration over at the restaurant.?
Choi, 50, will celebrate with his family only, by giving ‘lucky? money, shoes or clothing to the children. The Choi family will dine on nine courses of special dishes, each carrying its own meaning, says Choi. Seafood, for instance, symbolizes prosperity.
Andrew Kue, owner of the Orient Restaurant in Brandon Township, will feast on roast pig and octopus at a family gathering featuring singing and dancing, he said.
The upcoming celebration will kick off the Year of the Monkey, one in a 12-year rotation symbolized by various animals.
Tradition says those born in the same year share common personality traits. Although the 12-year-cycle makes it easy to estimate one’s age, out of respect only the elders celebrate birthdays, says Choi.