In celebration of the Year of the Tiger, our Chinese Branch gathered with family and friends at the Potomac Chapel on Saturday, February 20. Countless hours of planning, practicing, and preparation were contributed by Sister Li-Fang Tsai and the branch members. Many sisters provided delicious cuisine for the dinner. Afterwards, the attendees were given an opportunity to learn several aspects of Chinese by participating in hands-on activities. These included creating sticky rice ball treats, using an abacus, learning Chinese calligraphy, and making herbal bags. On the stage, some participants competed in a chopstick contest, a threading race, and an abacus competition.
Following the activities, Steve Anderson and Sophy Fugal were the emcees for the dance and music program. The traditional lion dance dazzled the audience by its spectacular display of athletic prowess and musical talent. Ada and Alice Huang led the two lions manned by young men (Simon Liu, Joshua Tsai, Hubert Huang, and David Chang). In the background, Andrew Groberg, David Chang, and Peng Lin provided the rhythm with the drum and cymbals. Next, the Primary children sang the popular children song, "Two Tigers," followed by the three Kuehne girls (Adayla, Tally, and Ryann) singing "xxx." Stephanie Tan displayed her skills on the guzheng, the Chinese zither. Then Benji Li demonstrated the Erwu Martial Arts with his sword. In the finale of the program, the youth performed the famous Chinese Valentine romance, The Cowherd and the Weaving Girl, with elaborate costumes and stunning choreography. At the end of the program, the audience were given an opportunity to eat a special treat, the sticky rice balls, and the children went on stage to receive their red envelopes from Hal and Kaye Jewel, Ying Chen, and Brian and Ann Johnson. The children then used play money to buy fun toys and treats.
Chinese New Year is a time for families and friends to be together and celebrate the end of the old year and the beginning of a new year. Although we were exhausted by the end of the evening, it was worth every bit of work to share this special time with our loved ones and old friends, to pass these precious traditions to our children, and to help usher in the new year with great hopes of peace and prosperity. Happy Chinese New year, and welcome to the Year of the Tiger!
