R 062
2020 -- H 7286
Enacted 01/23/2020

H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N
RECOGNIZING THE CELEBRATION OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR "THE YEAR OF THE RAT"

Introduced By: Representatives Kennedy, Mattiello, Shekarchi, Edwards, and Abney
Date Introduced: January 23, 2020

     WHEREAS, The most important and popular of festivals, the date of the Lunar New
Year celebration is fixed traditionally according to the lunar calendar as the second new moon
after the winter solstice; and
     WHEREAS, Lunar New Year is celebrated by more than 20 percent of the world. This
year the celebration falls on January 25, 2020; and
     WHEREAS, No one is certain how far back the New Year celebrations go in history.
Their religious background involves clearing away the bad luck of the old year and beginning
anew. It was also believed that the various god-like spirits had to report on the past year to the
ruler of heaven, the Jade Emperor. Many still open the celebrations by burning a paper image of
Tsao Wang, the hearth god, thus sending him on his way one week before the new year; and
     WHEREAS, Usually on the day before New Year's Eve, men pay ceremonial visits to
friends and associates, wishing them luck. On the last day of the year, final preparations are
made for the family's New Year's Eve feast, the highlight of the celebration. Before the meal, all
doors are sealed with strips of paper to prevent the entrance of evil, and no one may enter or leave
until these are removed shortly before dawn. After the meal, gifts are exchanged and, at midnight,
solemn greetings and family ceremonies take place; and
     WHEREAS, Traditionally, the festivities last 15 days until the Lantern Festival, a time
for parades of elaborate paper lanterns and street dances by dragons or lions. New Year is also a
time for giving alms to the poor and for eating special lucky foods; and
     WHEREAS, Each lunar year is popularly known by one of the 12 animals of the Chinese
Zodiac. These names provide a ready reference because each is used only once in 12 years. This
year will be celebrated as "The Year of the Rat"; now, therefore, be it
     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and
Providence Plantations hereby recognizes the celebration of the Lunar New Year--"The Year of
the Rat." This House also wishes to extend its deepest respect and appreciation to the Rhode
Island Asian community for all that it has contributed to the rich diversity of Rhode Island
culture. The closeness of the traditional Asian family, its dynamic work ethic, and its innumerable
endowments to literature and the performing arts inspire us all; and be it further
     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Rhode Island Association of Chinese
Americans.
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