Between New Year’s and Mardi Gras, the world can sorta seem gray waiting for the bright colors of spring to bust loose. But thanks to a partnership between the Crow Museum Of Asian Art of The University of Texas at Dallas and NorthPark Center, the Lunar New Year Celebration will brighten up the dank days of winter.
While the official Year Of The Snake (aka the sixth animal in the Chinese zodiac) will start on Wednesday, January 29, the Museum and Center just couldn’t wait and will have the following activities on Saturday, January 25:
- 10 a.m. – Lion Dancer Performance by Rising Phoenix – Ear Protection Recommended for Young Children located on Level One in NorthCourt between Nordstrom and Macy’s
- 11 a.m. – Lion Dancer Meet and Greet located on Level One in Bookmarks between Vuori and ZARA
- 11:30 a.m. – Dallas Asian Winds Performance located on Level One in NorthCourt, located between Nordstrom and Macy’s
- 10 a.m.–1 p.m. – Crafts And Activities throughout NorthPark Center
- Paper Snake with the Crow Museum – Create a dynamic paper snake, symbolizing wisdom, agility, and determination to inspire and guide you in the year ahead.
- Knot Activity with the Crow Museum – Chinese knots, symbols of good fortune and auspiciousness, carry hopes for a year filled with happiness and success. Craft a knotted bracelet to wear as a personal charm of luck or gift it to loved ones as a meaningful gesture of well-wishing.
- Paper Lantern with the Crow Museum – Honor the Lunar New Year with a vibrant paper lantern, illuminating the path to new beginnings, hope, and prosperity.
- Red Envelope Station with Bookmarks, sponsored by Atmos Energy
- Creepy Critters with Bookmarks, sponsored by Atmos Energy – Get up close and personal with a variety of snakes with the experts from Creepy Critters.
- Origami and Fai Chun with the UTD Chinese Student Association – Join the UTD Chinese Student Association for a hands-on experience in crafting traditional Lunar New Year decorations. Learn the art of origami and create fai chun: vibrant red paper banners that symbolize good fortune.
For little ones to better understand the Lunar New Year, Bookmarks is providing kids with their own copy of “Celebrate The World: Lunar New Year” written by Hannah Eliot and illustrated by Alina Chau … while supplies last.
To further celebrate the Year Of The Snake, Japanese designer Yuko Nishikawa‘s “Wiggle-Under” will be on display on Level One between Vuori and Zara from Thursday, January 23, through Tuesday, February 18. The whimsical mobile features colorful pods made of paper pulp that float through the air.
* Photo provided by NorthPark Center