The year of the goat comes to WCC

Miles away from China, a diverse group of students welcomes the Chinese New Year.  The New Year is one of the most important celebrations in China, which started on Feb. 19, 2015 marks the beginning of the year of the Goat/Sheep.

On Wednesday Feb. 25, over 100 Westchester Community College students gathered at the Technology Building lounge from 11am to 1pm to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

The event hosted by the Asian Club, WEB, the Peruvian Club, the International Friendship Club and DG Media, had something for everyone.

Upon entering the event students were given a small envelope which served as a meal voucher, and it also contained a raffle ticket.

Traditional Chinese food from Golden China Restaurant was served by members of the Asian Club. The restaurant, which was also used for this event last year offered an array of foods. Some of the food options included shrimp rolls, pork rolls, chicken wings, beef skewers, BBQ Chinese style ribs, low main and others.

Three lucky students won at the raffle which consisted of three different prices. The first raffle winner took home a 50lb bag of Chinese rice. The second took home asian snacks such as Pocky and a brand new pan. Last but not least, the third raffle winner took home a $50 Ichiro - Sushi restaurant gift card.

In addition to enjoying the food, students gathered around tables to fold origami, make bracelets out of wooden beads, and also tested their chopstick skills at a chopstick game.The chopstick game consisted of two people attempting to pick up small items with chopsticks. The winner received a pair of chopsticks.

Dance performances were also present at this celebration. The Revolution Crew composed of former WCC student Michael Salem, Kiana Davalos and Kida Perez performed several break dance performances throughout the event.

Just like in China, the traditional Chinese Lion Dance was also present.  Kwan’s Kung Fu performed the powerful dance. This dance is performed at the beginning of the year because it is believed that the drums and cymbals will purify an area of negative and stale chi.

The dance is meant to scare away evil spirits, as well as being a symbol of strength and good luck.

Zeric Saudagar, president of the Asian club said “We actually started planning last semester, but we actually got everything going within two to three weeks.” Getting The Revolution Crew however, took about “about a week, because [Michael, one of the members] was in China, so we were communicating via email.” The Lion dance performance was booked “way too quicky” Saudagar said.   

Saudagar also expressed that he was very happy with the event turnout. “The plan was to make sure all of the food was gone, and the food it’s almost already gone”, he said as the event was about to end.