Welcome to 2020 - the Year of the Rat! While in New York City, the year of the rat may conjure up different visuals, in China and in communities throughout the five boroughs, decorations are being hung, banquets are planned, and celebrations are afoot to celebrate Chinese New Year.
The year of the rat symbolizes a new start, as it is the first animal in the 12-animal Chinese zodiac cycle. Despite their domestic reputation, in China, rats are known for being social, intelligent, and crafty. They are seen as symbols of abundance and, as they are prolific breeding animals, it is a blessing to be married during the year of the rat.
Over at China Institute, a 93-year-old independent, apolitical non-profit dedicated to educating Americans about China, we have an array of experiences and events throughout New York, many in Lower Manhattan, that provide a prism into Chinese art, culture, business, fashion, food, and education for the new year, at which we look forward to welcoming Macaroni Kid readers.
Over at the Oculus at the World Trade Center, we will be holding upcoming family events, two business lunch sessions (for mommies and daddies), and other events:
Mon, January 20, 11:30AM-1:30PM [families]
Enjoy hands-on lesson and demonstration of Chinese flute and lute with BaBan Musicians and hear individual performances throughout lunchtime. Participants can also enjoy an interactive digital Chinese New Year art installation, try out lion dancing, and take selfies at our colorful photo station!
Wed, January 22, 11:00AM-1:00PM [adults]
Learn with China Institute as we deliver a seminar on strategies around building business relationships, rank and seniority in China, gift-giving, banquet protocols and survival language skills. Two sessions offered: 11:00AM and 12:00 PM (each session is 45 minutes, with 15 minutes of networking post-presentation).
Fri, January 31, 11:00AM-1:00PM [adults]
Learn with China Institute as we deliver an engaging, illustrated workshop providing a colorful picture of Chinese culture through its lively holidays, rich in art and literature references, cultural significance and symbolism, and current interpretations. Two sessions offered: 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM (each session is 45 minutes, with 15 minutes of networking post-presentation).
Sat, February 1, 12:00 PM-5:00 PM, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art [families]
Families are invited to join China Institute for storytime in Chinese and English featuring The Year of the Rat and our very own Bowls of Happiness from 1:00-3:00 PM in Nolen Library. Kids are also offered the free opportunity to create and decorate paper lanterns from 12:00-5:00 PM to take home!
It all culminates in China Institute’s big family festival on February 2 where we open our doors to families to come experience a lion dance, live music, art projects, storytime, and workshops on dumpling and lantern making! Plus, you can visit our new art showcase “The Art of Chinese New Year!”
And, the learning doesn’t stop when Lunar New Year concludes; we aim to bring the wide scope of culture and arts for families to sample, learn and enjoy. From our classes, events and art gallery that together illuminates a variety of Chinese culture, arts, music, education and business, we offer a variety of programs and initiatives for families throughout the year.
All of these options provide a wonderful introduction to both historic and contemporary China. The goal is to help generations become more engaged and open-minded about one of the world’s richest cultures!
Macaroni Kid readers save $20 on Family Membership to China Institute! Email Membership Director Michael Liu with code ‘Mac20’ to get started!
We wish you and yours a very happy Year of the Rat!
Learn more about China Institute HERE.
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