Coming this weekend May 19-20!

Peforming first in Cleveland:
Instant Noodles Dance Crew
MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew

Performing live on stage at the 2012 Cleveland Asian Festival on May 19 and 20, 2012. Performance times is now online at the website. Originating from Taipei, Taiwan Instant Noodles was founded in Rowland Heights, California. The group gained great recognition on MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew in Season 6 and finished in the top five. Instant Noodles also guest starred on Disney’s “Shake it up” and several top Taiwanese variety shows. Instant Noodles has also appeared as featured dancers in music videos for Jennifer Chung and DANakaDAN from Afterschoolspecial. Competitively, Instant Noodles has entered several international competitions and finished in the top spots against the best dance crew from all over the world.

The B-boys of Instant Noodles aim to build a distinctive, entertaining dance style, fueled by character, musicality, creativity, and the companionship of each other. They pay tribute to their roots, aspire to innovate, and always remember to not take life too seriously.

Special Guest
Brigadier General Daniel D. Yoo
to help kick off the festival on Saturday!

Brigadier General Yoo currently serves as the Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego and the Western Recruiting Region. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Arizona State University in 1984.

In March 1985, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant following completion of Officer Candidate School. Upon graduation from The Basic School and the Infantry Officers Course, General Yoo reported to the 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California, in April 1986. He was assigned duty with 2d Battalion, 9th Marines and served as a Rifle Platoon Commander, Heavy Machine Gun Platoon Commander, Weapons Company Executive Officer, and a Rifle Company Commander.

Brigadier General Yoo has served at all levels of the Marine Corps and has been stationed all across America and overseas in Okinawa, Japan. In July 2009, he deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as the Commander, Regional Corps Advisory Command Central (RCAC-C) 3-7, 201st Corps, Afghan National Army. After redeploying from Afghanistan in April 2010, he relinquished command of 4th Marines and Camp Schwab. General Yoo then served as the Commandant of the Marine Corps’ Military Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York City.

His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with Gold Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon. He is a Marine Combatant Diver, a Military Freefall Parachutist, and a graduate of the U.S. Army Ranger School.

TV Personalities Emceeing at the Festival!

In addition to our Master MC Mr. Wayne Wong, we also have a variety of MCs helping out at the festival, come and see them on stage!

Returning as the Festival Master of Ceremonies is Wayne Wong. Wayne was raised in Cleveland and is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University. He is helping to develop future high efficiency space power systems as a technology project manager at the NASA Glenn Research Center and was awarded the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal for his work. Wayne is also an artist and in the past, pursued his artistic passion as a comic book illustrator. He currently enthusiastically volunteers his time and energy to further the goals of the Cleveland Asian Festival. Joining Wayne to host the Festival at the two stages are a number of talented local media personalities.

Jason Nguyen comes back home to Cleveland from Fort Myers, Florida. He works at WKYC-TV as a Multi-Media Content Producer. Everyday Jason goes out and reports on the daily news you watch on Channel 3. Jason grew up in Cleveland and went to the University of Toledo, where he graduated with a degree in Communications with a focus in Broadcast Journalism. He’s excited to be back in the area and experience everything Cleveland has to offer. You can follow Jason and everything he does on Facebook, Jason Nguyen WKYC, or Twitter @FollowWIN

Melissa Reid joined the FOX 8 News team 2011 as a reporter in April, 2011. Before coming to FOX 8, Melissa worked at WTRF in Wheeling, WV and KDKA in Pittsburgh, PA as a reporter and producer, respectively. Melissa was born and raised south of Pittsburgh. She attended Bentworth High School and went on to study at Bethany College where she majored in broadcast journalism. She says her love for news came at an early age and lives to cover breaking news, as well as tell the unique and quirky stories. Melissa says that in her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband Billy, and their dog, Miss Sophie Charlotte. She is also active in sports, including volleyball, golf, tennis, and softball. She also admits to having a mean shopping habit. Melissa is on Facebook and Twitter! Click on the links below to drop her a line and say hello!

Returning to the Cleveland Asian Festival is WKYC Channel 3 Weekend Evening Anchor Lynna Lai. Lynna was a guest MC during the inaugural Cleveland Asian Festival in 2010. Lynna Lai, brings 18 years of broadcasting experience to WKYC Channel 3. She began her career at WMDB Channel 31, the CBS affiliate station in Peoria, Ill. She soon jumped to KGW Channel 8, the NBC affiliate in Portland, Ore. Her first Cleveland stint was at WJW Channel 8, where, in 1994, she became the first Asian-American reporter at a Northeast Ohio television station. She left Channel 8 to work as an anchor and reporter at WTSP Channel 10, the Gannett-owned CBS affilliate in Tampa, Fla., and WSB Channel 2, the ABC affiliate in Atlanta, Ga. She also has been a freelance correspondent for ABC News and the BBC. She joined Channel 19 as an anchor and reporter in 2001. The hiring of Lai was announced just a week after weekend news anchor Eric Mansfield confirmed that he is leaving Channel 3 after Memorial Day to become the executive director of university media relations at Kent State University. Mansfield has been with the station for 18 years. “Lynna brings a wealth of experience to the table and will be a great asset to our news team,” Channel 3 news director Rita Andolsen was quoted saying in the Channel 3 statement. “She has strong anchoring and reporting skills and is passionate about telling the stories of our community.” Lai has received Associated Press awards for news writing and feature reporting, and, in 2004, won an Emmy for spot news reporting. Born in Chicago, Lai grew up in Louisiana. She is a graduate of Louisiana State University, where she was the recipient of the LSU Honor Scholarship and a National Merit Scholarship Award. But Lai says she has considered Cleveland her home since her parents moved here when she when she was a college freshman.

Stephanie Coueignoux became part of the Channel 3 news team in October 2011. Before joining WKYC, Stephanie was a reporter for Central Florida News 13, the 24 hour-cable station in Orlando, Florida. There, she covered major stories like the Casey Anthony trial, the retirement of the shuttle program, and of course every tropical storm! Stephanie has also worked as an anchor in both Wisconsin and Nebraska. Stephanie started her broadcast journalism career back in college as an intern for WHDH in Boston. A curious person by nature, she knew a career that allowed her to ask questions for a living, was the one for her. Stephanie says her favorite part of her job is being able to make a difference with each story she tells. Stephanie credits her adventurous spirit to her upbringing. She was born in France, but soon after moved to Colorado, then California, and finally Massachusetts. She also spent a year living in Australia. Now, Stephanie calls Cleveland home and is embracing everything the city has to offer. Stephanie is a graduate of Wellesley College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology. In her spare time, Stephanie loves to cook, travel, and stay active. Stephanie wants to hear from you, whether it’s just to say ‘hi’ or to share a story idea.

Complete schedule is now online!

Visit Cleveland Asian Festival site and check out the complete schedule! Including the 80-page thick Program Booklet that is also available for download. 15000 of the booklet will be distributed throughout the two days event! You can grab a copy before the festival at Asia Plaza.

We thank our sponsors!
Without your support, our festival wouldn’t be successful! Please click here to see the list of our sponsors whom made this festival one of the fastest growing festival in Northeast Ohio!

(March 26, 2012, Cleveland, OH)  Instant Noodles, a top five finalist on MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew, will be performing live on stage at the 2012 Cleveland Asian Festival on May 19 and 20, 2012. Performance times will be announced at festival’s website as it draws closer. Festival organizers are excited about this addition to its weekend lineup – Instant Noodles brings a nationally recognized Asian dance crew  to Cleveland.

The 2011 Cleveland Asian Festival drew over 31,000 attendees with comedian Dat Phan as the featured act. Attendees enjoyed live cultural performances, martial arts, games, competitions, Asian cuisine, free health screenings, merchant booths and many others. Building on the momentum of the 2011 festival, the Cleveland Asian Festival organizers wanted to raise the bar for the 2012 festival. “The inclusion of the Instant Noodles dance crew for 2012 would allow us to attract teens and young adults to the festival,” says Yin Tang, Executive Committee Co-chair for the festival and Performing Committee Chair. “They will be engaged and experience cultural diversity while celebrating Asian Pacific Heritage Month with regional and national talents over the weekend of free and healthy fun.”

Originating from Taipei, Taiwan Instant Noodles was founded in Rowland Heights, California. The group gained great recognition on MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew in Season 6 and  finished in the top five. Instant Noodles also guest starred on Disney’s “Shake it up” and several top Taiwanese variety shows. Instant Noodles has also appeared as featured dancers in music videos for Jennifer Chung and DANakaDAN from Afterschoolspecial. Competitively, Instant Noodles has entered several international competitions and finished in the top spots against the best dance crew  from all over the world.

The B-boys of Instant Noodles aim to build a distinctive, entertaining dance style, fueled by character, musicality, creativity, and the companionship of each other. They pay tribute to their roots, aspire to innovate, and always remember to not take life too seriously.

The third annual Cleveland Asian Festival will be held on Saturday, May 19, and Sunday,  May 20, 2012, in Cleveland’s AsiaTown neighborhood at the Asia Plaza shopping center and surrounding streets (Payne Avenue and East 30th Street). The Cleveland Asian Festival is a collaborative effort by many organizations and communities in Greater Cleveland. It is coordinated by volunteer leaders within the Asian Pacific communities to foster, educate, and promote Asian culture and traditions, while celebrating Asian Heritage Month. Please contact Johnny Wu to schedule an appearance with Instant Noodles while in Cleveland.

Check out the video compilation from MTV’s ABDC Season 6 – Instant Noodles Dance Crew:

I-X INDOOR AMUSEMENT PARK

I-X Center, Cleveland, OH

March 23 – April 15, 2012

Check online for hours of operation.

Discount Tickets Available 

SAVE $5 PER TICKET!

Coupon Below

Regular Price – $24   Discount Price – $19
(ages 3 & under are FREE)Tickets are Good Any Day

Entertainment to include (all entertainment is subject to change)

NEW!  Cirque Shanghai– Flawless feats of acrobatic brilliance, featuring pageantry, beauty and incredible skills -performing several 45 minute shows daily

Cirque Shanghai is a fusion of some of the most thrilling acts on Earth. Watch acrobatics, high wire acts, and motorcycle stunts. Each act is said to have been hand picked from some of the finest performers in the world. Cirque Shanghai has been reviewed well by audiences and critics. Take a look at what people are saying on Yelp! when Cirque Shanghai came to Chicago: http://www.yelp.com/biz/cirque-shanghai-chicago.

COME MEET Spider-Man (March 24) and Captain America (March 25)

Christian Family Weekend – March 24-25      La Fiesta Latina Weekend – April 14-15

For detailed show information, additional entertainment features, plus hours of operation visit www.ixamusementpark.com

Spanning over more than 20 acres, the I-X Indoor Amusement Park is jam-packed with over 150 rides, games, and attractions for guests of all ages….and it is all INSIDE!    Pay one price and ride all day!  Come join the fun!

For questions please contact:
Cyndee Young – Group Sales Manager
I-X Center       One I-X Center Dr.
Cleveland, OH  44135
PH 330-262-9790,
VOICEMAIL:  216-265-2657

On Firday March 24th at 5pm the Chinese Women Association will celebrate International Women’s Day at Li Wah restaurant (2999 Payne Ave.).Tickets are $20 for food, entertainment, and a raffle. CWA website: http://chinesewomencleveland.org/2011/.

OCAGC is the proud Community Partner for the 36th Annual Cleveland International Film Festival’s Chinese Film:
Buddha Mountain (Guan Yin Shan)

BUDDHA MOUNTAIN is a brilliantly acted film about aimless youth confronting grievous loss. Nan Feng is a tough girl who works as a club singer to send money home to the provinces, where her alcoholic dad is beating her mom. Ding Bo is a handsome motorbike delivery boy who can’t accept the new marriage of his deadbeat father. Fei Zao is a constant eater and a childish Michael Jackson fan. After these three slacker friends are evicted from their apartment, they find new digs with Madam Chang, an old-fashioned devotee of the Peking Opera who runs a tight ship. The young people bait their new landlady, taking her money and “borrowing” her car for joyrides through the countryside. But not long after they stumble across a mountaintop Buddhist temple dedicated to the goddess of compassion, they realize that Madam Chang’s rigidity actually masks a deep unhappiness. Veteran Taiwanese actress Sylvia Chang’s portrayal of the grief-stricken landlady is heartbreakingly convincing. (In Mandarin with subtitles) – B.B.

Showtimes: Friday, March 30th, 5:00pm
Saturday, March 31st, 9:00pm

*Use the code “OCAGC” for a $2 discount on ticket prices!

How to redeem a $2.00 discount for a 36^th CIFF ticket purchase
36^th Cleveland International Film Festival
March 22 – April 1, 2012
Tower City Cinemas

Online: Use the code “OCAGC” when purchasing tickets at www.clevelandfilm.org (available 24 hours a day).
Phone: Use the code ” OCAGC” when calling the Ulmer & Berne Film Festival Box Office at 877.304.FILM (3456).
In-Person: Use the code ”OCAGC” at the Ulmer & Berne Film Festival Box Office in the lobby of Tower City Cinemas.

Ticket prices (before discount):
$10 Cleveland International Film Festival Members
$12 Non-members
$10 Students and Seniors (day of show only)

This discount is good for any Festival film screening.  Restrictions may apply.

Tickets are available at the Ulmer & Berne Film Festival Box Office in the lobby of Tower City Cinemas (230 W. Huron Rd., Cleveland, OH  44113).

Visit www.clevelandfilm.org  for Film Festival program updates and comprehensive information about the 36^th Cleveland International Film Festival.

Visit www.towercitycenter.com for additional parking options. 

A quick update: Jeremy Lin may not be playing in Cleveland due to a surgery?

Here is the article.

As many of you know, Jeremy Lin, the first American NBA player of Chinese/Taiwanese descent, is a great point guard with NY Knicks and will be in town on April 20^th to play against the Cleveland Cavaliers. We have managed to obtain some group rates for the night!

Please click here, to obtain event information and whom to order tickets with. Please distribute this flyer to your group (as this was created to be generic).

Another benefit from this group rate is that you can watch Jeremy practice CLOSE UP before the game!

Here’s a recent article on The Plain Dealer about our community ready to meet Jeremy Lin.

PLUS, I am currently working with them to try to do a meet and greet (not guaranteed yet).

BUT, go because it would be exciting to watch Jeremy play and he has become a great role model.

2012 is an election year, and many politicians are placing campaign ads all over the country. They’re trying to discredit their opponents and making themselves look like the resolution of all misfortune.

Some are using the concept of “Trolling the Media” (intentionally making a sensationalistic or offensive remark to attract a lot of media/news coverage). Trolling the media isn’t anything new. It has been used throughout history for marketing.

Although it is effective in getting coverage (besides the usual negative comments or responses from the public), it encourages an “act-before-you-think” attitude. This often promotes old and creates new stereotypes that can hurt the development of diversity.

The United States is a mosaic of individuals that makes a rich and culturally diverse country. Besides the Native Americans, we all are immigrants. We came here to seek a better life for ourselves and future generations. We have created a melting pot of all cultures and races. No matter where you are from, the color of your skin, what you look like, or who you love; we are the people that make America great. We are the pride of the United States.

However, when politicians or influential leaders start trolling the media, it puts a different perspective on our individualism. Maybe we aren’t as united as we thought because of our personal agenda, personal bigotry, or jealousy.

Our most recent example is the news coverage of an emerging superstar, Jeremy Lin. Lin is a basketball player born in Los Angeles. He is an underdog but an exceptional player and is now an overnight media sensation. Many have downplayed his success even though he has worked hard to reach his dream and become the first American player to be of Chinese or Taiwanese descent.

Because Jeremy Lin looks differently, controversy erupted shortly after a few great performances that put the New York Knicks in people’s radar. First, heavy weight boxer Floyd Mayweather tweeted: “Jeremy Lin is a good player but all the hype is because he is Asian. Black players do what he does every night and don’t get the same praise”.  Then, Fox Sports columnist Jason Whitlock had to apologize for his tweet which insulted Lin’s sexual ability, using a negative stereotype about Asians. Also, Madison Square Garden showed a fan’s video of Lin’s head popping out of a fortune cookie. Fans have taken to calling him “Yellow Mamba,” allegedly a play on Kobe Bryant’s nickname of “Black Mamba”.

Probably the worst of it happened early morning on February 18. ESPN commentator and the ESPN mobile website used the phrase “Chinks in the Armor” regarding the Knick’s loss to the Hornets that Friday night. Although it was pulled immediately, it was read and distributed throughout the Internet. The website writer was fired and the commentator was suspended for 30 days. Lin stated that ESPN has apologized and he is fine with it.

Should he be? Stereotyping is hurtful. We’ve all grown up with it. No matter whom you are, we’ve all endured being mocked and stereotyped. It sets us back in social situations and affects our image.

Ultimately, the effect of stereotyping can change the way we live, work, interact, or do business with others. On an even larger scale, it can play a great role in business deals that include diversified markets and communities. Stereotypes can destroy confidence and the ability to work and function successfully.

Stereotyping is hard to avoid. Certain nuances and attributes are attached to cultures and become engrained in our minds whether we believe them or not. But, it’s not difficult to understand and learn to be sensitive to the manner. When you work with a community and you’re building a relationship you need to understand the cultural and social difference. Help reduce the stereotype by learning.

The most powerful way to diminish stereotypes is by education and it starts now. Don’t wait for an incident to happen.

Businesses should start educating its staff to be aware of the damage stereotypes can do. Businesses who wish to work with diversified communities should get involved and understand cultures and social structure of such communities before entering into a business agreement.

The more you know, the less stereotypes will become a stigma in everyone’s life. So, read, attend a seminar or class, and expand your knowledge of the people around you. We need to foster a strong world of diversity for us and our kids.

On February 18, 2012, OCA Cleveland Chapter hosted two events:

1. OCA Coffee Hour: Estate Planning and How to Get Rich Slowly, an informal discussion with Harold Hom Co., LPA. The small get-together was held at Koko Bakery from 10am to 11am. It was very informative. Mr. Ray Hing, a participant that morning, later stated:

“Hi Harold;
Thanks for your GREAT informal and candy talk on “PROTECTING YOUR LEGACY” – AN OVERVIEW OF ESTATE PLANNING FOR OHIO RESIDENCE.

You cleared up many of my concerns/questions that have been in my mind for a long time, particularly on the complexity and most importantly protecting our hard earned assets:
1.  WILLS – WHEN IS IT A GOOD FOR US TO PLAN
2.  PROBATE – INS AND OUTS OF VARIOUS PROBATES
3.  ESTATE PLANNING
4.  HEALTHCARE ISSUES
5.  LIVING TRUST – THE PROS AND CONS
6.  STATE AND FEDERAL TAXES

We very much appreciate you taking your time this morning and your patience for going over one of the very important topics of our lives.

Also, thanks for sharing your thoughts on “HOW TO GET RICH SLOWLY”, particularly on this down cycle……

I am in agreement that we, Chinese, Chinese American and Asian American, don’t really have such concepts in bedded in our minds and culture.”
——————–
2. The APIAVote’s New Faces of Leadership Speaker Series held a meet-and-greet event with California Congresswoman Judy Chu. The event was hosted by our gracious member Margaret Wong in her office.More than 60 people attended the one hour event.
Attendees learned the importance of getting involved, stepping up, and speaking out against racism. The audience was very engaged and participated a lot. Later, Congresswoman became the focal point of a short OCA Image TV interview.
Finally, she joined some of the community business leaders for a delicious, ten course meal prepared by East 30^th Café. The dinner event was sponsored by Radhika Reddy of Ariel International. Pictures of the event is available at OCA Cleveland Chapter’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OCACleveland.

The next OCA Cleveland Chapter’s Coffee Hour has been scheduled for Saturday, June 2^nd from 11am to 2pm. The topic will be about investments. The special guest speaker will be Don Permadi from Merrill Lynch Investment. Seats are limited and we will send out RSVP invites shortly.

OCA of Greater Cleveland would like to welcome our newest board member, Deborah Yue. Deborah joined the board in January of this year. She is very active in the community and is a member of MotivAsians where she is on the management team and is VP of Professional Development. She is on the executive community board for the Cleveland Asian Festival sitting in the finance chair. Deborah is also a partner at Gallagher Sharp where she concentrates her practice on insurance and general liability litigation. Deborah has a lot of experience and is very knowledgeable in the non-profit field. OCAGC plans to grow greatly this year and we are certain that she will help us reach our goals. We’re very excited to welcome her and are enthused to have her on the board.

OCA Cleveland Chapter Coffee Hour:

Estate Planning and How to Get Rich Slowly

an informal discussion with 

Harold L. Hom Co., LPA 

Saturday, February 18, 2012

from 10 to 11 a.m.

Koko Bakery

3710 Payne Avenue, Payne Commons

Cleveland, OH 44114

Click on the link to RSVP

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dDRXc3pxeHJ6TldPWFJRVkR5Z1V3Tmc6MQ

Presented by OCA Cleveland Chapter

www.ocagc.org

“Like” us on facebook!

http://www.facebook.com/OCACleveland

New Faces of Leadership – Congresswoman Judy Chu

The OCA – Cleveland Chapter is pleased to join Margaret W. Wong & Associates in welcoming Congresswoman Judy May Chu (D-CA) to Cleveland. Join us for an hour with the Congresswoman to discuss AAPI civic engagement. Seating is limited to 100 guests, so register today: http://tinyurl.com/75kyvh3

Saturday, February 18, 2012
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Margaret W. Wong & Associates
3150 Chester Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44114

*Light refreshments will be served. Donations will be accepted at the door for the non-partisan Ohio Asian Civic Engagement Fund to send seniors, youth and others to the 2012 Asian American Legislative Day at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus.

Congresswoman Dr. Judy Chu was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for California’s 32nd District in July 2009. She immediately got to work representing the interests of her constituents, voting on several environmental bills and working through the night on her first day in office, during a marathon debate on important healthcare reform legislation as part of her first assignment on the House Education and Labor Committee, where she served on the Subcommittees on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education and Healthy Families and Communities.

In the 112th Congress, Rep. Chu serves on the House Judiciary Committee, where she is a member of the Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security and the Intellectual Property, Competition, and the Internet subcommittees. She is also a member of the House Small Business Committee, where she is leading the Contracting and Workforce Subcommittee as the Ranking Democrat and serves on the Economic Growth, Tax and Capital Access and Agriculture, Energy and Trade Subcommittees. In 2011, she was elected as the Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC).

Co-Sponsored by: APIA Vote, Asian Services in Action, Cleveland Chinese Women Association, Cleveland Contemporary Chinese Culture Association, Chinese Professionals and Entrepreneurs Association, and MotivAsians for Cleveland

OCA members Lisa Wong and Johnny Wu were on WCPN today at noon for Around Noon with Dee Perry show to celebrate 2012 Year of the Dragon. Click here to listen to the recording.

in celebrating the Year of the Dragon, here are some clips of our AsiaTown community in Cleveland. More episodes are available at the OCA Image TV link

For a list of events celebrating 2012 Year of the Dragon, visit this page.

Here are some traditions and customs that you might be interested to know (or do it with your entire family with fun):

BEFORE NEW YEAR’s EVE:

The celebration actually starts on New Year’s Eve with the reunion dinner. By New Year’s Eve, you should have done the following:

Clean the entire home to get rid of all the things that are associated with the old year.

Put away all brooms and brushes.

Pay all your debts.

Resolve differences with family members, friends, neighbors and business associates.

Buy the following:

- red money envelopes

- oranges and/or tangerines

- circular candy tray

- flowers (especially plum blossom, peach blossom, water lily)

- a new set of clothes and shoes for children, preferably something red or orange.

Get new dollar bills from the bank. Insert the new dollar bills into the red envelopes. Now the red envelope is called a lee see or lucky money envelope.

(note: Very few modern families follow all the “cleaning” traditions.)

ON NEW YEAR’s EVE:

Get together with close family members (not including married daughters and their families) for the “reunion” dinner.

Pay respect to ancestors and household gods. Acknowledge the presence of ancestors because they are responsible for the fortunes of future generations.

Open every door and window in your home at midnight to let go of the old year.

Put a fresh and big round Apple or Orange next to your children’s pillows, so they would sleep in peace and wakes up with the fresh aroma of the fruits.

ON NEW YEAR’s DAY:

Decorate your home with symbols of good fortune. Here are some suggestions:

- Colors: Bright red (happiness); gold/orange (wealth & happiness).

- Fruits: Oranges and tangerines (good health & long life); tangerines with leaves intact (long lasting relationships; fruitful and multiply as in having children); persimmons (happiness and wealth).

- Circular candy tray (candy for sweet and circular for togetherness).

- Flowers: If flowers bloom on New Year’s Day, it will be a prosperous year.

- Red banners or couplets with New Year wishes and symbols of good fortune in gold.

Here are some suggestions for food:

- Jai - a combination of food that represents good fortune. Jai comprises of ginkgo nut, black moss, dried bean curd, bamboo shoots, vermicelli and scallion.

- Fish and chicken represent prosperity. Always present the fish and chicken as a whole. Do not cut them in pieces. The head, tail and feet (for chicken) must be presented to symbolize completeness.

- Noodles represent longevity. Again, they should not be cut.

- Desserts include oranges, Chinese New Year cake (ni gao) and prosperous cakes (they look like golden nuggets).

Wear all new clothing (from socks to shirts) to welcome the new year with a clean start.

DO’s & DON’Ts on NEW YEAR’s DAY:

- Greet others with “Gung Hey Fat Choy” which means “Wishing You Prosperity and Wealth”.

- Give two lee see’s to each child. Because happiness comes in two’s, do not just give one. This is your way of passing good luck to the next generation. Business owners also givelee see’s to employees and associates.

- Wear brand new clothes – preferably in red. Children should wear new clothes and new shoes.

- Don’t wash your hair.

- Don’t sweep the floor.

- Don’t greet people who are in mourning.

- Don’t drop your chopsticks.

- Don’t say the number ‘four’ (Chinese homonym for death) or mention death.

- Don’t borrow or lend money.

As you prepare for this important holiday, think of the changes you want to make in your life … perhaps spend more time with your family, reduce your credit card debts or pursue a new interest. Gung Hey Fat Choy … and Happy New Year!

Although the video below is dated, but the celebrations is still carries yearly: