Lunar New Year celebration at the Bellevue Collection

Lunar New Year at The Bellevue Collection is presented in partnership with Seattle Chinese Culture and Arts Association (SCCAA), The Overseas Community Affairs Council, and Republic of China (Taiwan). Festivities include a virtual presentation of a lion dance, performances, crafts and more.

The Chinese calendar follows a 12-year cycle. Each year is associated with one of 12 animal symbols in the Chinese zodiac. According to legend, the Jade Emperor invited the animals of his kingdom to enter a race through the countryside. The first 12 to finish the long race would each rule over one year every 12 years. The 12 animals are: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit (or cat in Vietnam), dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.

Lunar New Year is observed throughout East Asia. Different countries celebrate in their own way according to national and cultural customs. In Vietnam, Lunar New Year is called Tet. Preparations may begin one or more days before the first day of the Lunar New Year and may continue for several days. Some traditions include cleaning and decorating the home, buying new clothes, exchanging small gifts or cards, paying respect to ancestors, and eating special foods. 

Image via Bellevue Collection Lunar New Year – paper dragon

2023 Year of the Rabbit

Chinese Lunar New Year occurs about halfway between the winter solstice and spring equinox, somewhere between January 20 and February 10. “Gung Hay Fat Choy” is a common Cantonese phrase for Lunar New Year that wishes the receiver prosperity. Although it’s not strictly a “happy new year” phrase the same sentiment is the same!

• 2023 is the year of the Rabbit and begins on January 22.  In the Vietnamese Zodiac, the Cat takes place of the Rabbit in Chinese Zodiac.

Bellevue Collection Lunar New Year 2023

Lunar New Year at The Bellevue Collection is presented in partnership with Seattle Chinese Culture and Arts Association (SCCAA), The Overseas Community Affairs Council, and Republic of China (Taiwan). The Bellevue Collection will ring in Lunar New Year with the following programming and activities:

• January 9-30, 2023: displays throughout Bellevue Square. See traditional Chinese garments and artifacts. Stop by the Lunar New Year pop spot to snap a photo. 
• January 13-22: Pk up a Lucky Lunar Scratch Card at Bellevue Square’s Guest Services Desk. Each card contains a special dining offer from one of the Asian-inspired restaurants at the Dining District or a chance to win an $80 Bellevue Collection Gift Card. Also, a rabbit craft will be available for children to take home from Guest Services. 
• January 14, 11 am to 6 pm: live performances in Center Court and family-friendly activities throughout Bellevue Square such as calligraphy and painting.
• January 14, 2 pm: Lunar New Year Spectacular Lion and Dragon Parade performed by the International Lion Dance and Martial Arts team. Lucky red envelopes are available at Bellevue Square’s Guest Services Desk—be sure to pick one up before the Lion Dance.
• More info: Lunar New Year – The Bellevue Collection

Image via Bellevue Collection Lunar New Year – cultural performance

Lunar New Year events in the Puget Sound region

(Lunar New Year occurs somewhere between the last ten days of January and the first twenty days of February. We usually update Lunar New Year events beginning in January for the current year.)