FriendlyPittsburgh Celebrated Chinese New Year with Ross Park Mall
On February 9th, 2019, FriendlyPittsburgh partnered with Ross Park Mall to celebrate the Chinese New Year at the center court on the lower level of the mall. The celebration lasted about 2 hours with various performances including Lion Dance, Kung Fu, Waist Drum Dance, and traditional dances featuring a few ethnic groups in China. At the event, FriendlyPittsburgh and Ross Park Mall also set up tables for audiences to try Chinese calligraph. In addition, authentic Chinese food samples were provided by local Chinese restaurants.
In order to help more students and scholars in the Oakland area to have the chance to celebrate the Chinese New Year at the mall, FriendlyPittsburgh and Ross Park Mall arranged free shuttles. Red Packets were prepared and given to the shuttle passengers, volunteers, and performers at the event as well. Red Packets, also known as Red Envelopes, are gifts presented at social or family gatherings such as Chinese New Year and which symbolize good luck. Store coupons were included in the Red Packets along with special gifts from Tiffany.
The Chinese Zodiac, known as Sheng Xiao, is based on a twelve-year cycle. Each year in the cycle is related to an animal sign. This year is the Year of Pig and it's also the last animal of the cycle.
Happy Chinese New Year! (新春快乐！）