Lunar New Year of the Rabbit 2011

 

This is the lunar new year of the Rabbit.  New Year's Eve in the lunar calendar fell on February 2, and some of us Aikido and Tai Chi students gathered at the dojo to celebrate. It was a time to reminisce,  laugh, hear new music, enjoy delicious foods and experience things of another culture. 

 

We learned that Angbao is a very popular and joyful eastern tradition. Children and young unmarried people greet older and married ones with a sincere show of affectionate respect, and in gratitude receive 'angpaos' - gifts of money or such in gaily decorated envelopes.

 

We tried to learn a Chinese greeting so we could earn our angpaos. Without practice it would not stick, but it was great fun, and there is always next year.