SBMA’s 2012 “Nights” Celebrates Chinese New Year

Nights at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art could not be completed without a celebration to the Chinese New Year. About 700  men and women attended this year’s celebration where Chinese dancers enchanted the crowd with their modern dancing, and guests got a chance to contribute their painting skills on panels lined up against the wall in the Chinese Art Room.

Copyright 2012 Red Pacific Media

Many attendees at the event were delighted to have their fortunes read, but there were still those that were a bit uneasy about finding what their future holds. “I’m kind of hesitant and a little scared but might do it later,” said Andri Bezzula as his fiancée egged him on to have his fortune read.

Chinese New Year is one of China’s most important holidays, and this year it falls on January 23rd according to the lunar calendar. The festival traditionally lasts for about 15 days. Every year is associated with one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac, with each animal being represented once every twelve years. The year 2012 marks the year of the Dragon. Some believe those born during the year of a particular animal will inherit the character traits of that animal.

Red packets or envelopes are passed out during Chinese New Year’s celebrations from adults to children and other unmarried young adults. Gifts and gift exchanges are also a common theme during these celebrations and may include sweet treats such as cakes, candies, and fruit. Clothing is generally colorful, and there is no shortage of firework displays.

Funds raised at this year’s “Nights" help support the museum in their goal to reach 25,000 students every year with in-school, after school, and community outreach programs.