This week’s speaker was long time area Optimist Al Wong, pictured to the left with Optimist President Jim Zoll.   Al shared with us reflections on the history and traditions of Chinese New Year.

For the Chinese New Year it is party time…the elder Chinese bestow upon their children and grandchildren lovely red envelopes of money. Even the banks are getting into the mix and creating their own money envelopes with bank logos on them.

2017 is the Year of the Rooster…and the parties started January 28th for a 30 day of celebrations with dancing dragons and parades.

Check out the calendar and who your best or worst mates could be…according to Al.. trade in the wrong mate for a new one.  So Buddha wanted a birthday party and invited all the animals, but  only 12 showed up.  The Rat was the first so started the Chinese horoscope calendar.