Year of the Tiger

The Chinese use the lunar calendar for celebratory events and the new year falls somewhere between late January and early February. According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2010 is the Year of the Tiger and it begins on February 14. The tiger is a sign of bravery and keeps away the three main tragedies of a household - fire, thieves and ghosts. Chinese New Year is the longest and most important festivity in the Lunar Calendar.

If you're in the Seattle area, there is possibly no better place to celebrate the Chinese New Year than in the Chinatown-International District. The first Chinese people to arrive here came to lay the first railroads, dig coal mines and can salmon harvests in the 1880's.

In the early 1900's, Seattle's major railroads began locating their passenger terminals and marshalling yards south of what is now known as Pioneer Square and many hotels were built in the area to house railroad passengers and workers. Other Asian immigrants began to arrive and this became the cradle for the modern International District.

Chinatown was established as a distinct neighborhood in the late 1930's along with the second largest "Japan Town" on the West coast. After the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II, thousands of Japanese-Americans were forced to live in internment camps and local Chinese-Americans had to wear badges declaring they were not Japanese. Japan Town never regained its prominence, and the population further diversified when Blacks and Filipinos began to make their homes in the area. In 1951, then-Seattle mayor William Devin declared the neighborhood the International District.

So, how will an area so rich in history celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Tiger? Festivities take place from 11-4 on February 13^th in Hing Hay Park. In addition to the Lion and Dragon dances, Japanese taiko drumming and drill team performances, there will be a children's costume parade and scavenger hunt with prizes. Admission is free.

The celebration continues with the Northwest Chapter of Families with Children from China hosting its annual Chinese New Year event on February 21^st at Eckstein Middle School. Registration begins at 9:30am and doors open at 10:00. Activities include dance performances, photography by Yuen Lui, a children's carnival and vendor booths. There will also be a teen room with for anyone over 12.

The Greater Seattle Chinese Chamber of Commerce welcomes the Year of the Tiger with their Lunar New Year Banquet. Individual tickets are $40 and corporate sponsorship is available for $500 which includes a table for ten. It takes place On February 23^rd from 6-9 at the House of Hong restaurant at 409 8^th Ave South in Seattle. There will also be a raffle with prizes including roundtrip airfare to Beijing, a night at the Tulalip Casino & Resort, a Microsoft Zune package and more.

If you're looking for something a little different, NuCulinary offers cooking classes featuring a variety of Asian cuisines. On February 9^th at the Nisei Veterans Committee Clubhouse Kitchen located at 1212 S King Street, Chef Naomi Kakiuchi will be showcasing the foods and rituals surrounding the Lunar New Year. Learn to make the food eaten for good health, good luck and prosperity. The cost is $79 anyone 16 or older is welcome to attend. Space is limited and reservations are required.

Happy New Year - congratulations and be prosperous.