![\"chinese](\"http:\/\/news.utoledo.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/chinese-new-year-poster.jpg\")
<\/a>\u201cThe Chinese New Year is the longest and most important holiday celebration in the Chinese calendar. Also known as the Spring Festival, the Chinese New Year starts with the new moon on the first day of the New Year and ends on the full moon 15 days later. The 15th day of the new year is called the Lantern Festival,\u201d said Dr. Minhua Wu, assistant director of the Confucius Institute. \u201cIn China, the New Year is a time of family reunion. Family members gather at each other’s homes for visits, shared meals and to renew family ties.\u201d <\/P><\/p>\nThe highlight of the Chinese New Year celebration will be a performance by the Chinese Northeast Normal University Arts Troupe, featuring faculty and students who will bring a traditional Chinese art program to Doermann Theater Thursday, Feb. 13, at 3:30 p.m.<\/p>\n
Wu said this performance troupe was selected by the Confucius Institute Headquarters in China. The presentation of “China Welcomes Spring 2014” is a collection of modern and traditional dances, art, music, martial arts, calligraphy and painting. <\/p>\n
There also will be a Love Theme Photography Contest\u2028 taking place from Wednesday through Friday, Feb. 12-14, in Snyder Memorial Building Room 1020. Stop by and vote for your favorite shot. At noon on Friday, sample a Tang-yuan (sticky rice dumpling).<\/p>\n
Listed by date, the Chinese New Year celebration will include the following free, public activities:<\/p>\n
Wednesday, Feb. 12 <\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Chinese Zodiac Lecture, noon to 1 p.m., Snyder-Memorial Building Room 1100. Learn about the Chinese zodiac, its history, mythology legends and the 12 animals. 2014 is a horse year. Light refreshments featuring Chinese candies will be served. <\/p>\n \u2022 Chinese Movie Screening, \u201cAmerican Dreams in China,\u201d 5 p.m., Student Union Room 3020. How did China do it? Was it simply the sheer size of its population that rocketed the nation from Communist underdog to global economic superpower? This 2013 film suggests otherwise. Inspired by a true story, this stirring tale dramatizes both the spirit and the details of China’s historic rise.<\/p>\n Thursday, Feb. 13 <\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Chinese New Year Celebration, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Student Union Auditorium. Interactive activities will include writing wish cards, couplets, painting paper lanterns and more. Chinese food will be provided. <\/p>\n \u2022 Hanban Performance Troupe, \u201c\u534e\u97f5\u8fce\u6625\u201d (\u201cChina Welcomes Spring 2014\u201d), 3:30 p.m., Doermann Theater. Experience an exchange performance by the Chinese Northeast Normal University Arts Troupe, featuring dance, song, art and martial arts. <\/p>\n Celebrating its fifth anniversary at The University of Toledo, the Confucius Institute serves northwest Ohio by providing education in Chinese language and culture, and supports the development of China-related scholarly research and academic programs. It also offers opportunities for cultural exchanges between China and the United States. <\/p>\n