Chinese New Year 2010 | Honolulu Hawaii Chinatown

It's Chinese New Year and the Year of the Tiger in 2010.  Chinese New Year is one of the most important holidays for traditional Chinese.  All the festivities begin on during the first month and continue throughout the month until Chinese New Year's Day. This year is very special as Chinese New Year's day falls on February 14, 2010 which is also Valentine's Day and making it an especially auspicious day to celebrate in the West.

In Honolulu, Hawaii our downtown Chinatown has been celebrating with their festivities over the last couple of weekends. We finally got down to the Chinese Cultural Plaza yesterday to enjoy some of the food, festivities and vendors.  In most states and countries it is celebrated where a sizable Chinese population lives. 

The Chinese Dragon Dancers were getting ready to put on their show so we went to get a snack. We munched on spring rolls and charbroiled chicken on a stick and then went to the vending booths. As you can see, it is such a colorful celebration!

The Chinese Dragon signifies courage, righteousness and dignity. The Chinese Dragon Dance signifies the end of a the year and welcoming a new start while driving away evil spirits, bringing good luck and fortune to people. 

 As history explains:  The firecrackers, red lanterns and clothing were to ward away the mythical beast called Nien. On the first day of the New Year the Nien would come and devour livestock, crops and especially little children. Oh, the galore of red lanterns and decorations for one's door frame and many jade trinkets with different meanings to hang around your home for protection that are available. Some may start the New Year "fresh" by giving their home a fresh coat of red paint, getting a haircut, buying new clothes and shoes which further symbolizes a fresh start.

 This was just one day out of many that we were fortunate to find the time to enjoy. I got what I went for...a renewed outlook for 2010 with the history of traditional Chinese New Year. I did end up purchasing my little jade trinkets for health, strength, prosperity and more.

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!

KUNG HEI FAT CHOI!

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Click on the following link for more info on>>>Schedule of Events for the Chinese New Year Celebration in Honolulu Hawaii  

Friday and Saturday, January 22 & 23 and January 29 & 30
United Chinese Coalition presents Chinese New Year Festival
Chinatown Cultural Plaza.  At this four-day event, food vendors
provide a variety of Chinese and other Asian cuisine favorites

Saturday, January 30, 5:00 - 10:00 pm
CHINESE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF HAWAII presents Coronation Ball
Hilton Hawaiian Village.  At the Coronation Ball, the new Narcissus Queen is officially crowned with much pomp and grandeur as the Chinese Chamber celebrates the 61th Anniversary of the Narcissus Festival 

Friday, February 5, 6:00 - 10:00 pm
61th Annual Narcissus Festival and Choy Cheng, Traditional Lion Dance Blessing, and Chinatown Open House
In Chinatown and at Chinatown Cultural Plaza.  The evening begins at 8 South King St. with the traditional Chinese lion dance blessing -- Choy Cheng.  The Narcissus Queen and her court will visit Chinatown businesses and their patrons..
 
Saturday, February 6, 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Chinatown Open House  Chinatown Cultural Plaza. Food vendors provide an assortment of Chinese ethnic favorites, including jai (vegetarian monk's food), gin doi (Chinese doughnut), gau (New Year pudding), and jook (rice soup). Entertainment includes ethnic dance troupes, local musical groups, and martial arts and weapons demonstrations.
 
Saturday, February 6, 3:30- 5:30 pm
The "Night In Chinatown" Parade begins at 3:30 p.m. on Hotel Street at the
State Capitol and proceeds to Maunakea Street.  Parade participants include Festival Queens and their courts, cultural organizations, kung fu martial artists, lion and dragon dance associations, including a special performance by a
150 foot dragon.  .
 
Saturday, February 6, 9:00 am - 10:30 pm
Night in Chinatown Festival On Maunakea Street and Smith Street.  This all-day block party features booths with home-cooked Asian food and traditional New Year's arts and crafts, as well as, entertainment on two stages with martial arts, cultural demonstrations, and Chinese lion and dragon dance performance

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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs, she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents.

Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com