By Linda Shepard
C & G Staff Writer

ROCHESTER HILLS — A festival of colors, sounds and smells celebrated the Chinese New Year at Oakland University Feb. 16.

The OU Oakland Center banquet rooms hosted students, staff members and guests who enjoyed Chinese food, cultural performances, traditional craft demonstrations, displays and more.    

“Our office does four or five multicultural events a year,” said Petra Knoche, OU assistant director of international students and scholars. “This one celebrates the Asian culture, especially the Chinese students and scholars, who are the second most (numerous) students we have. We try to show through food and live performances and displays — embracing their culture and showing Oakland students, faculty and staff what Chinese culture is all about.”

Entertainment included folk dancers, singers and musicians. Young and old enjoyed Chinese noodles, and meat and vegetarian offerings. “People can have a little sample of what Chinese food is all about,” Knoche said.

Children and adults enjoyed cutting out and fashioning yellow paper lanterns. “Lanterns are very popular in China,” Knoche said. Traditional Chinese crafts of paper cutting and calligraphy were demonstrated, and all guests received a red envelope holding a chocolate coin representing good luck.

The event was sponsored and organized by the International Students and Scholars Office, the Center for Multicultural Initiatives, the China Association, the Chinese Friendship Association and the International Allies Organization.

According to legend, the Chinese New Year originated with a war against a mythical beast called Nian, who arrived the first day of every year to devour livestock, crops and villagers — especially children.

At the beginning of each year, villagers would place an offering of food on their doorsteps for protection, believing Nian would eat the food and refrain from attack. Legend holds that Nian was once frightened away by a small child wearing red, so villagers hung red lanterns and red scrolls on their doors to ward off violence.

Today, the celebration of the New Year is an important family tradition in China. “All the family comes together,” said Sha Li, an OU exchange student from Beijing. “Cousins, fathers and mothers, grandparents, aunts and uncles.”

“I spend it with my parents, family and friends,” said Wen Hua, also an OU Chinese exchange student. “It’s a really good celebration.”

You can reach Staff Writer Linda Shepard at lshepard@candgnews.com or at  (586) 498-1065.