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PHILIPSBURG--The street outside Chippie Cafe had a festive atmosphere on Sunday as a large group of Chinese residents of St. Maarten gathered to celebrate the Chinese New Year, officially observed on February 3.
The event was organised by the St. Maarten Chinese Community Foundation, which made financial donations to St. Maarten Childfest Foundation and Love of Kids Foundation.
The event opened with a performance of the dragon dance and featured a number of activities such as gift-giving, a karaoke competition, and an auction.
Former Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards and his wife Angela Richards-Huggins were among the guests at the ceremony.
St. Maarten Chinese Community Foundation President Steven Huang said the celebration was an important event on the Chinese calendar. He said the Chinese New Year usually was marked by 15 days of celebrations, with a different event on each day. However, only one day of celebrations was organised for St. Maarten.
Foundation Vice President Molly Wong said a lot of focus had been placed on youths for the event. Young people played a pivotal role in the celebrations. They were involved in the music played, the karaoke competition and assisted in other areas.
According to the Chinese Zodiac, this year ? the Year of the Golden Rabbit ? began on February 3 and ends on January 22, 2012. The Rabbit is the fourth sign of the Chinese Zodiac, which consists of 12 animal signs.
The Rabbit is said to be a lucky sign. Rabbits are private individuals and a bit introverted. People born in the Year of the Rabbit are reasonably friendly individuals who enjoy the company of groups of good friends. They are good teachers, counsellors and communicators, but also need their own space.
According to Chinese tradition, the Rabbit brings a year in which you can catch your breath and calm your nerves. It is a time for negotiation.
Businessman and first generation Chinese St. Maartener Raymond Yu told The Daily Herald the year was special for his parents, businesspersons Yu Yukwah and Yuk Ming. They moved to St. Maarten in the early 1970s to escape a life of poverty. He said his parents had built a life in St. Maarten and were happy to celebrate this moment here.
Raymond Yu said it was customary for married Chinese to share "red pouches" as gifts to other persons, as gesture to wish them good fortune in celebration of the Chinese New Year. The large group of attendees at yesterday's party were presented with "red pouches" with lucky money. There was also lots of feasting.
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