Graduate student Tianyi Zhang remembers growing up in Beijing and ringing in the Chinese New Year with fireworks, Chinese lanterns and dumplings her family made together.
She looks forward to getting a taste of the memories Sunday when Ball State University's Chinese Student Association prepares dumplings to ring in the "Year of the Dog" during its Chinese New Year celebration.
"That day is the most typical Chinese day, the most typical Chinese festival," said Tianyi Zhang, who is secretary of the Chinese Student Association. "That is the best time to learn the Chinese culture."
The celebration, which will include karaoke, will take place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Scheidler Apartment office building. The Chinese Club at the Indiana Academy will also have a Chinese New Year party Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Wagoner Hall.
Mindy Zhang, adviser for the Chinese Club, said the dumplings that Ball State's Chinese Student Association will prepare typically consists of pork sausage and vegetables.
Members will bring other dishes to share, some of which may include chicken, vegetable and fruit dishes. Mindy Zhang said vegetables symbolize a healthy life, while fruits such as oranges symbolize good luck. Apples symbolize peace and safety, she said.
Monday's Chinese New Year party at the Indiana Academy will also provide a sampling of authentic Chinese food.
Mindy Zhang, who is from Wuhan, China, said New Year celebrations in China typically center around food, family get-togethers and gift exchanges.
"It's kind of like a Christmas," she said.
Chinese New Year falls between the end of January and mid-February on the day of the first new moon of the year, she said. As the Chinese New Year approaches, Mindy Zhang said attending the celebrations and learning about the Chinese culture is beneficial, she said.
"This is one of the best ways to know - by experiencing it," she said.
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