16 years ago, we made a Promise to China. In exchange for adopting their daughters of China, We Promised to Give the Girls a Proper Education.
Selecting Schools with Good Fits for Each Girl was the beginning of the Promise. But for us to give them an Understanding, Acceptance and Pride in their Culture, we were going to need some help. We needed a Community. And we found one in the Chinese American Citizens Alliance – CACA is a national organization that empowers Chinese Americans by pursuing the highest ethics, morals, and values for our organization and our communities, practice and defend American citizenship and American patriotism, better the economic and political opportunities in our communities, preserve Chinese American historical and cultural traditions, and assure the education of our youth and community.
But Most of All, CACA embraced us and we became part of the Family.
Just like in China, We kick off the New Year with the Main Event…Chinese New Year! This year is the beginning of the 12-Year Lunar Cycle. The Rat!
The celebration begins with a Family-style Banquet of 6 Courses that Symbolize Good Luck, Wealth and Happiness in the New Year. There is also a fabulous Raffle to Win Prizes and Fund Student Scholarships. As the banquet progresses, we will be entertained by Ancient Chinese Dances. The finale is to Feed the Lions Red Envelope Lucky Money for Good Luck.
A Family Gathering. Warm and Welcoming. Raffle Tickets!
Scrutinizing the Tickets. Hoping to Have a Winner.
Lucky Money ready to be given as gifts to spread good luck in the New Year.
Bring on the Dishes!
Spring Roll with sweet/sour sauce. Shaped Like Gold Bars for wealth.
Baked Chicken. The whole chicken represents the whole family.
Shrimp. Gold Coins for good fortune.
Squid with Snow Peas. Green for Money. Seafood for abundance.
Noodles. For Long Life. No cutting of the noodles or you cut short your life.
Beef with oranges. I’m not sure about this one…but it’s delicious. 🙂
And We have Winners!
And now the Dances…the Platter Dance. From the Tong Dynasty.
Here Comes Buddha and the Dragons.
Feed the Dragons for Good Luck the Whole Year.
Dragons…Drums…and Buddha…The Best Finale! CLICK HERE!
Family Celebrations to Love. To Enjoy. To Share Together.
Keeping Promises.
A Kissable Valentine DIY
What a wonderful event! So happy for your family! You are such an incredible mother. 🙂
Happy day!
karianne
Love your post! Your girls are so beautiful, and so lucky to have the best parents! Hung Hay Fat Choy! I was getting so hungry (before I saw the squid, you can have my share of that)! Wishing you all the best in this Year of the Rat!
Happy Year of the Rat to you, Suzee! The squid was good – not tough and chewy – but I can only do a little sampling before I’m done. 🙂
Karianne – Thank you for your kind words…more Happy Tears!
Looks like so much fun. What a memorable event.
Hi Cynthia – thanks for coming along…it’s one of my favorites!