decorations and exchanging red packets, known as hóngbāo,
because red is customarily an auspicious color; and
WHEREAS, The origins of "Chinese New Year" begin with the
mythical beast called "Nian," which would come out to harm
animals, people and property on the night before the start of
the new year; and
WHEREAS, After people discovered that Nian feared the color
red, fire and loud sounds, they began posting decorative crafts
in front of their homes, launching fireworks and hanging up
lanterns during the end of the year; and
WHEREAS, The 12 Chinese zodiac animals that accompany each
"Chinese New Year" are ranked in order based on the legend of
the Heavenly Gate Race; and
WHEREAS, After deciding that time would be segmented into
cycles of 12 years, the Heavenly Gate Race was held by the Jade
Emperor to determine which animals would guard each cycle of
time; and
WHEREAS, The first of the animals to finish the race would
receive a better ranking and the order became Rat, Ox, Tiger,
Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and
Pig; and
WHEREAS, Marking a new cycle of time, the "Year of the Rat"
begins January 25, 2020, and lasts until February 11, 2021; and
WHEREAS, "Chinese New Year" embodies the values of family and
community that are shared by many residents of this
Commonwealth; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize January
25, 2020, as "Chinese New Year" in Pennsylvania.
20200HR0675PN3159 - 2 -
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