Honor Lunar New Year

Senate Resolution No. 367 BY: Senator KAVANAGH COMMEMORATING the Asian-American community's celebration of the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Pig, on February 5, 2019 WHEREAS, With due cause and proper resolve, this Legislative Body honors the Asian-American community of the State of New York as it celebrates the Lunar New Year in the Year of the Pig; and WHEREAS, According to the ancient customs and legend, Asian-Americans across the State will wear red, light firecrackers and make other loud noises to symbolically chase away the wild beast Nian, who once was thought to attack ancient villages at the outset of the New Year; and WHEREAS, According to legend, the Jade Emperor held a race to determine the 12 animals to represent the zodiac with the cyclical order determined by their finishing position; and WHEREAS, It is said that people take on characteristics based upon the animal of their birth year, and those born in the Year of the Pig are said to be characterized by their loyalty, kindheartedness, patience and willpower to succeed; and WHEREAS, The Lunar New Year is the most significant and popular Asian festival and exemplifies the many diverse traditions of Asian-Americans; and WHEREAS, It is cause for great celebration in the Asian-American community that public schools in New York City now recognize the Lunar New Year as a holiday, acknowledging the festival's widespread observance across the city; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the Asian-American community's celebration of the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Pig, on February 5, 2019; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to distinguished members of the Asian-American community.