Phyllis Louise Harris
February 2018
The lunar calendar marks February 16, 2018 – February 4,
2019 as the year of the dog. People born in 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982.
1994, 2006, and this year are under the sign of the dog and I am one of them! We
are said to be kind, loyal and sincere.
Legend says that when Buddha prepared to leave earth, he
called all the animals to him to bid farewell. Only twelve showed up. The first
to appear was the rat followed by the ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse,
goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. As a reward he named the twelve years in
the Chinese zodiac after them in order of their arrival. Unfortunately, 2018 is
predicted to be an unlucky year for the dog, so do be careful!
You might start with lucky food traditionally served at
Chinese New Year celebrations. A whole fish, complete with head and tail,
represents abundance for the coming year. Long noodles are said to ensure long
life. Round, golden fruit such as kumquats predict wealth and good fortune.
Peanuts ensure fertility and round dumplings good luck.
There is nothing more festive than the Chinese New Year
celebration with its lion dances, colorful costumes and fireworks designed to
please the Gods and ward off evil. A few celebrations in Minnesota include
the Minnesota International Chinese School 2018 Chinese New Year Celebration
and Carnival, February 11 at Valley View Middle School in Edina. The Chinese
New Year Celebration at the Mall of America, February 17 and 18. The annual
Lion Dance by the Fong family at David Fong’s
Chinese Restaurant at 9329 Lyndale Avenue South in Bloomington, February 22,
23, and 24. Reservations are necessary for this popular event. Call
952-888-9294.
Or make your own celebration with lucky foods from your
favorite take-out restaurant. Better yet, make your own from recipes in “Asian
Flavors: Changing the Tastes of Minnesota since 1875.”
And, for all of us dogs, please give us an extra helping to
get us through the year ahead!
Jixiang Ruy! May
good fortune be according to your wish.
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Read more about Asian food in Minnesota and try more than 160 recipes in Asian Flavors: Changing the Tastes of Minnesota since 1875, in bookstores and on amazon.cm.
Buy online: Asian Flavors: Changing the Tastes of Minnesota since 1875
Watch the EMMY® award winning “Asian Flavors” television show based on the book on tpt MN. Check local TV listings for broadcast times or view the show streaming online at:
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