Celebrating Chinese New Year

Two Rabbits, 20th century.
Qi Baishi (Chinese, 1864–1957)
ink and color on paper; 8 9/16 x 18 5/16 in.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art 

CHINA - This week is the beginning of "The Year of the Rabbit" according to the Chinese lunar calendar. It occurs once every 12 years, and museums and houses of worship across the country have joined with the nation of China to celebrating the start of a new year. The annual Chinese New Year celebration brings together both Chinese-Americans, observers of Chinese culture and just the curious spectators. Look up your Chinese astrological sign and enjoy the celebration.

"The Chinese New Year is like what Thanksgiving is for the American people. It’s a family reunion,” said Hui Chen, a Kansas City resident who came to a local museum with her husband and children. “We don’t have family here… so it’s very meaningful [to] us.”

In Oklahoma City, OK, the Buddha Mind Monastery there will have a celebration beginning at 9:30 a.m. with flower offering to the Buddha. There will also be spiritual chanting, a Darhma talk and a meal. Everyone is welcome but if you can’t get to Oklahoma City check the internet for a local Buddhist center or your local art museum.

In Minnesota, The Minneapolis Institute of Arts invites children (and parents) to participate in their hands-on “China Art Cart” from noon to 2 p.m. today. While in New York City, The Metropolitan Museum of Art (NYC) completes the final day today of their Lunar New Year Festival but you can still view their new exhibition, The Emperor's Private Paradise: Treasures from the Forbidden City through May 1.

There is someplace for everyone all across the country to celebrate a Happy Chinese New Year and Buddhist art.