The International Students and Scholars Office is hosting the Chinese New Year Celebration on Thursday, Jan. 19, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Oakland Center Fireside Lounge. The New Year celebration is a way for OU’s international students to expose their peers to traditions and celebrations of their cultures.

In China, the New Year is based on the lunar calendar. Much like the United States’ New Year celebration, the Chinese New Year ushers in new beginnings. Houses are meticulously cleaned and decorated, presents are bought, special foods are prepared, and friends and family spend the evening together waiting for the midnight hour. Luck and prosperity are the key elements surrounding this festival. Fireworks light up the sky at midnight while parades fill the streets on New Year’s Day. While OU’s celebration is just one afternoon, the Chinese continue to celebrate the New Year for 15 days.

During the Chinese New Year Celebration at Oakland University, students, faculty, staff and the community have the opportunity to sample authentic cuisine, play traditional games, learn calligraphy and crafts, and witness an authentic Kung Fu demonstration by the School of Chinese Martial Arts led by Sifu Brown.

Brown is a prominent martial arts master most notably recognized for establishing and creating the international program “Lessons in Mindfulness.” Brown has practiced martial arts for 33 years and is a black belt in four different styles, but has chosen to teach and practice Kung Fu. He was given the title of sijo, meaning master, in China, but prefers to use the title of sifu, meaning teacher. His school located in Berkley, Mich., is the largest adult martial arts school in the country. 

For more information on the Chinese New Year Celebration, contact the International Students and Scholars Office at (248) 370-3358.