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Willard's second grade students culminated a study unit of China with a celebration of Chinese New Year. The New Year festival holds a significant place in Chinese culture. Chinese New Year is one day when "the celebration of the New Year brings joy and prosperity for all". On the Chinese calendar, 2008 is Lunar year 4705-4706. On the Western calendar, the start of the New year fell on February 7, 2008-The Year of the Rat. Second graders shared the happy moments of this festive occasion with a parade through the hallways of the school. Leading the parade was the Dragon Dance followed by students carrying traditional symbols of this great Chinese celebration. The students also enjoyed a Chinese luncheon in the school cafeteria.

The Year of the Rat
If you were born in 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996 -
you were born under the sign of the rat.

Legend states that "those born in the year of the rat are always busily pursuing a personal goal or ambition, and are thus known as one of the hardest-working signs in the Chinese zodiac. For rats in 2008, any recent setbacks or obstacles can be overcome, so look forward to a year in which to really shine, either personally or professionally."





During the Chinese New Year celebrations people wear red clothes. The red symbolizes fire which according to legend "drives away bad luck".