A Chinese tradition

Junior Chia-Kang Chou predicts that 2004 will bring him good fortune, success and a helpful dose of motivation.\nAfter all, he is the sign of the Monkey.\nChiakang, born in 1980, said he fits many qualities characteristic of the Monkey -- this year's Chinese zodiac symbol. He agrees that he is well-liked by others, a fast thinker and intelligent, all of which describe someone born in a Monkey year.\n"This will be a good year for me," Chou said. "Although I don't fully believe in the personality predictions, some are definitely true."\nChiakang, and more than 200 others helped transform The Neal-Marshall Culture Center's Grand Hall Thursday evening into a festive Lunar New Year celebration.\nWith the large crowd, many had to stand during the program, which included authentic Chinese cuisine and several performances, demonstrating the meaning and traditions of several Asian countries.\nThe Malaysian Student Association and Taiwanese Student Association were among several organizations and individuals that performed at the celebration, each presenting unique traditions celebrated in the different countries.\nStudents, staff, faculty and Bloomington residents of all ages participated in the Asian Culture Center's gathering.\nElizabeth Hunt, an IU Alumni Association member, brought her family to the program, especially because she has a five-year-old adopted daughter from China.\n"We're very interested in Chinese culture and always want exposure to Asian traditions," Hunt said. "Since we've been a Chinese-American family, we've learned that the Lunar New Year is always a wonderful time to celebrate together."\nIU's ACC hosted the program to welcome the monkey as 2004's zodiac symbol.\nThe Year of the Monkey began Thursday at the stroke of midnight, which marks Year 4701 on the Chinese calendar.\nAccording to an article on CNN.com, the Year of the Monkey is one of the most marketable of the zodiac signs, which is illustrated by items such as "Funky Monkey" underwear, garments sold in Singapore that don smiling monkeys. \nThe Monkey is the fifth animal sign in the 12-cycle zodiac, which also includes the Rat, Cow, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Chicken, Dog and Pig -- all of which have special meanings.\nThe animals, which can be equated to monthly horoscopes in the U.S., can predict the personalities of those born during the year of their designated animal.\nBased on moon cycles, the Chinese lunar calendar was invented almost five millennia ago by the Emperor Huangdi to assist Chinese farmers. The Lunar New Year, regarded as the most important holiday of the year, signifies the Earth's rebirth and the beginning of spring. \nTheresa Chen, graduate assistant at the ACC, said although Asian countries have different New Year traditions, the celebration is regarded as the largest.\n"The (Lunar New Year) is an even bigger holiday to many Asian countries than the American New Year," Chen said. "In Taiwan, the entire country takes the day off, families reunite and everyone parties a great deal."\nJunior Jenelle Blanchard said the worldwide recognition helps unite nations in a special fashion.\n"It makes the world seems a little smaller since people all around the world are celebrating this culture," Blanchard said. "It's very respectable, and it brings us all together in a unique way."\nBlanchard said although the Lunar New Year is often regarded as an Asian holiday, she appreciates others' interest in the culture.\n"Even though it is the Chinese New Year, so many people recognize and learn about it," Blanchard said. "We can celebrate across all nations, even if it's in different ways. It's a way to enjoy different cultures and be happy."\n-- Contact Arts editor Maura Halpern at mhalpern@indiana.edu.