New York City welcomed the Chinese New Year with open arms, but NJCU allowed

the holiday to pass without a whisper of excitement. Many probably did not even know it was

happening. The university multicultural and diverse, but it let the 4712th

without any form of recognition. In fact, the two week celebration welcoming the year of the

Sheep was completely bypassed on the campus.

The Chinese Zodiac is actually a 60 year cycle, not a twelve year cycle. The twelve

Chinese zodiac signs are also are associated with five elements (metal, wood, water, fire and

earth) that rotate together with the signs creating a 60 year cycle. This is the 32nd

Recognition of the holiday was largely absent not only on campus, but also throughout

most of Jersey City. The only events hosted were at the public libraries where kids enjoyed

storytelling and arts and crafts. There was no parade, not a single dragon to symbolizing strength,

benevolence and good fortune.

The most events were hosted in New York City. Fireworks over the Hudson River

were some of the best around. A twenty minute show was given with accompanying music.

The China Institute, founded in 1926, hosted a party on February 20th

February 22nd

On a campus that is so diverse, in a town that’s one of the most culturally eclectic in the

nation, we can’t let the next New Year pass through without a murmur of its presence.

, and an Art and Chinese New Year lecture with a Festive Reception on February