Jan 25, 2012 - Claremont, Calif. -

Bowls of oranges and bright red envelopes pile atop a table. Whole tilapia with rice and snow peas graces the menu, and the thump of bass drums herald the coming of a dragon.

Students join dragon dance.

Chivey Wu

Symbols of good fortune

Martial artist Bruce Wen

Dragon delighted onlookers.

Such was the atmosphere in the Hoch-Shanahan Dining Commons, which was transformed Jan. 24 into an Asian celebration of the Lunar New Year. Hosted by the Office of Institutional Diversity, the annual event featured authentic cuisine, martial arts demonstrations and a traditional dragon dance.

"The belief is that the dragon will drive out the evil spirits and bad luck of the past year and bring about prosperity, peace, happiness and everything that’s good,” said Chivey Wu, a Cal State Los Angeles engineering professor, who has led the dragon dance for the past five years at Harvey Mudd College.

As 2012 is the Year of the Dragon, the prospect of good fortune carries even greater potential, he said.

The colorful dragon is a composite of the animal symbols that designated the original tribes in China. Also symbolic are the oranges—representing good fortune—because the word for “orange” and the word for “good luck” are pronounced the same in the Chinese language, Wu said.

Coins are placed in the red envelopes and given to young children. “They are a token. Lucky money,” Wu said. “The children can use it to generate more prosperity. It’s also a gesture of good luck and generosity.”

Simeon Koh ’12, who helped coordinate the celebration, said the event was especially meaningful for international students, who are away from family and unable to join festivities back home. “It’s also an easy way for people to connect with a different culture, because the dragon dance, the martial arts and the foods are all interesting,” Koh said. “Some people don’t even realize there’s a different calendar system such as a lunar-based one.”

The celebration focuses on starting the new year with a positive outlook and the anticipation of good fortune. It’s also a time for dropping old grudges and seeking peace.

“It’s why people greet each other with ‘blessings’ or ‘good luck to you’ rather than ‘Happy New Year,’” Koh said.

Also known as “Spring Festival,” the Lunar New Year marks the end of winter.