The Woodlands Children's Museum hosts Chinese New Year

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- The Woodlands Children's Museum will be hosting Chinese New Year on February 9 and 10 which is one of the Museum's most attended cultural events bringing visitors from Houston and the surrounding area.

"Chinese New Year has grown into a very special event," Angela Colton said, Executive Director for The Woodlands Children's Museum. "Children love all the activities and parents love the opportunity to teach their children about an exciting culture."

Chinese New Year is the longest and most important festivity in the Chinese calendar. The origin of Chinese New Year is itself centuries old and gains significance because of several myths and traditions.

People pour out their money to buy presents, decoration, material, food, and clothing. It is also traditional for every family to thoroughly cleanse the house, in order to sweep away any ill-fortune and to make way for good incoming luck. Windows and doors are decorated with red color cut-outs in themes of "good fortune" or "happiness".

On the Eve of Chinese New Year, supper is a feast with families. Food will include such items as pigs, ducks, chicken and sweet delicacies. The family will end the night with firecrackers. Early the next morning, children will greet their parents by wishing them a healthy and happy new year, and receive money in red paper envelopes.

The Chinese New Year tradition is to reconcile, forget all grudges and sincerely wish peace and happiness for everyone. "2013 is the year of the Black Snake," Colton said. "This means 2013 will be one of steady progress and attention to detail. It's a very intuitive sign according to ancient Chinese wisdom. It's meant to be a good omen."

For more information about Chinese New Year or how to become a member of The Woodlands Children's Museum, call 281.465.0955 or go to www.woodlandschildrensmuseum.org. The Woodlands Children's Museum is a 501c3 nonprofit organization and is located at 4775 W Panther Creek in The Woodlands.