The Installation

Each installation associated with WINTER CELEBRATIONS utilized photos, videos, audio interviews and objects to evoke the vibrant, encompassing and participatory character of these community-based events. Individuals of Chinese descent, the world over, celebrate the Lunar New Year in its many facets.  Exploring Lunar New Year attempted to capture the tangible and intangible substance of that celebration among this group of Houstonians. Program consultants included Rachel Peng, Xan Vuong, and Pin Lim. In addition, public programs featuring the tradition bearers who shared their skill, knowledge and expertise were presented as part of the installation.

The Chinese zodiac, like Lunar New Year, is popular throughout Asia and is part of Asian culture across the globe. Like the Western zodiac, it has twelve different signs that are all creatures and identification with one or another is said to influence personality and behavior. However, unlike the Western zodiac, its birth association is by the year and not by the month; that is, twelve-year rather than twelve-month cycles. Hence, the dawn of each new year is the beginning of a twelve-month cycle associated with one of the signs. February 8, 2016, in the Western calendar marks the beginning of the Year of the Monkey in the Chinese calendar.

Red, corresponding with fire, symbolizes good fortune, happiness and joy. It is found everywhere during Lunar New Year. A red envelope is a monetary gift which is given in Chinese and Vietnamese communities during this period or other special occasions. The red color of the packet symbolizes good luck and prosperity and often encloses within it a monetary reward.