Prince George, B.C.- Although the Chinese New Year officially arrives today, the celebration at Exploration Place is set for this Saturday.

 

This is the year of the Rabbit, or according to the Chinese, the year 4708.

 

The Chinese calendar is based on a combination of lunar and solar movements. The lunar cycle is about 29.5 days. In order to "catch up" with the solar calendar the Chinese insert an extra month once every few years (seven years out of a 19-yearcycle). This is the same as adding an extra day on leap year. This is why, according to the solar calendar, the Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year.

 

Chinese New Year starts with the New Moon on the first day of the new year and ends on the full moon 15 days later, similar to the tradition of the 12 days of Christmas, there is something different celebrated each day. The 15th day of the new year is called the Lantern Festival, which is celebrated at night with lantern displays and children carrying lanterns in a parade.

 

According to the Chinese Horoscopes which feature 12 animals, the “Rabbit’s”  characteristics are as follows:

 

Rabbits, like their animal counterparts, are quite calm people who do not exhibit aggressive behaviour and will avoid confrontation at all costs. When angry about something, a Rabbit will approach it calmly and considerately, hardly ever raising his voice or becoming visibly annoyed. Because of their serenity, Rabbits seem to miss things, whether they are confrontational in nature or not. However, the Rabbit is quite keen and pays close attention to the situations developing around him. He is intelligent and quick and can talk himself in or out of most situations with no problem.

 

The Chinese Rabbit is one of the most stylish creatures of the Chinese Animal Signs and finds interest in different cultures. He is classy and sophisticated, and can be found adorning one of the latest fashion magazine cover looks. Rabbits also like artistic ventures, such as painting and music and are generally quite present in these worlds. They love to express themselves, which is evident when joining them at home for a function or a cup of coffee.

 

The characteristics of the Rabbit are tempered by one of the five Chinese elements of Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth. 2011 is the year of the “Metal”  Rabbit:

 

Metal gives Rabbits a more resilient demeanour than the other more quiet Rabbit. These Rabbits are very ambitious and can be quite crafty in their dealings with others. They throw themselves and their emotions into everything they do, making them intense lovers, but not outwardly affectionate lovers. Their determination can affect their work as well, whether through personal relationships with colleagues or with the work itself, a Rabbit can be known to immerse himself in his projects…business and personal.

 

Here in Prince George, the museum is the setting up for the Northland Dodge Chinese New Year event which will feature a live jazz band, lion dancers, a silent auction, sports challenges, and a fireworks display.

 

This annual fundraising event will support children’s programming at the Museum. Individual tickets are $65 dollars, and a table of 8 is $500.