The Lunar New Year Celebration & Fair starts at 10 a.m. with the lion dance outside the museum, which is free and open to the public. We will have family friendly activities throughout the day inside the museum that are included with paid general admission.
Within the Chinese zodiac, the Year of the Rat officially starts the first day of the new lunar year, which follows the phases of the moon. In 2020, Lunar New Year day is Saturday, January 25. The Chinese and Vietnamese zodiacs are represented by 12 animals. According to legend, the Jade Emperor invited the animals of his kingdom to enter a race through the countryside. The first 12 to first finish the long race would each rule over one year every 12 years.
Ratyears: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032
Characteristics of people born in the Year of the Rat: Clever, energetic, optimistic, kind, outgoing, adaptable, observant, diligent, sociable
