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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 3, 2003
PR- 034-03
www.nyc.gov


MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG HOSTS LUNAR NEW YEAR RECEPTION
AT GRACIE MANSION

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today hosted a reception at Gracie Mansion in honor of the
Lunar New Year.  According to the Chinese lunar calendar, the Year of the Ram begins on February 1st, 2003 and ends January 21st, 2004.  Among those attending the reception were Deputy Mayor for Legal Affairs Carol Robles-Román, Commissioner of the Department of Employment Betty Wu, Health and Hospitals Corporation President Benjamin Chu, Immigrant Affairs and Language Services Commissioner Sayu Bhojwani, Mayor’s Advisory Committee on the Judiciary Executive Director Desiree Kim, Councilman John Liu, as well as other New York City officials. 

“Lunar New Year is a time when we celebrate the ancient traditions and proud cultural heritage of New Yorkers of Asian descent,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “The Year of the Ram is said to be a year of creativity and peace, two things we will need as we work to make our City even greater in the midst of many new and serious challenges.  The contributions of the Asian American community to New York City’s heritage and cultural vitality will continue to play a vital role in the capital of the world.”

During the reception, dancers from The Korean Traditional Performing Arts Association, Inc. performed a traditional Korean dance to wish blessings and good will for the coming new year.  Afterwards, children from The Chinese American Planning Council - Baxter Street School-Age Center performed a Chinese Fan Dance.  The free flowing movement of the fan dance is to convey the well wishes of the continuity of happiness and prosperity. 

The Lunar New Year is represented by a cycle of 12 years, each year denoted by a different zodiac animal.  Fireworks during Lunar New Year are an integral part of the celebration because fables tell of a monster who comes out to eat people during the first few days of the New Year.  Tradition dictates that fireworks and red clothing scare away the monster and ward off evil spirits.  The Year of the Ram is a symbol of harmony, creativity and peace.  Lunar New Year is the longest celebration and the most important holiday for Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean Americans.


 

www.nyc.gov

Contact: Edward Skyler / Lark-Marie Antón 
(212) 788-2958