Brooklyn State Senator Marty Golden, along with the Chinese American Partnership Inc., hosted a Lunar New Year Celebration in honor of the Year of the Rooster on Sunday, February 12.
The spirit of the day, as announced by Golden, was one of “usher[ing] in a time of good luck for our families, community and our nation.”
The celebration, held at New Utrecht High School, featured performances by professional artists and entertainers, as well as students from local schools. The program included various cultural presentations such as Tai Chi demonstrations, a fashion show and Chinese opera. Highlighting the day was the traditional Lion Dance, which is performed on big occasions like Chinese New Year because the lion is believed to be an animal of good fortune in Chinese folk culture.
While welcoming attendees, Golden explained the importance of the Year of the Rooster in Chinese culture. “The rooster is a symbol of civility, military, bravery, kindness and reliability. I wish in the year ahead that there will be mutual sharing and love in the community in the coming year,” he said.
Golden also noted the large Chinese community in Brooklyn, particularly within his district where it makes up about 25 percent of the Asian community, a population that has grown exponentially in the last 20 years. He said he believes that “it is important that we cater the cultural needs of those who live within our community.”
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