By Nicole Haas

Feb. 9 marked the beginning of the 15-day celebration of Chinese New Year, an occasion that is meant to bring good luck, health and prosperity.

This year is the Year of the Rooster according to the Chinese zodiac, more commonly known among eastern countries as the Year of the Phoenix .

Chinese belief is that if a woman is having a child this year, she should hope for a girl during the Year of the Phoenix , which represents females. She should also hope that the child will marry a boy born in 2000, the Year of the Dragon; a year that represents males, according to professor and chair of the Buffalo State College criminal justice department, John H. Song.

“The best marriage is between a dragon and a phoenix,” says Song, who is from Taiwan .

Each animal brings certain meaning to the Chinese zodiac including last year's, Year of the Monkey, which is said to bring cheer and energy.

Aside from whether someone is a monkey, rooster or a dragon, he or she should be sure to check out the recent events on campus and in the surrounding area in celebration of Chinese New Year.

A traditional painting exhibit being held in the Upton Gallery at Buff State , highlighting the work of Bai Gengyan, a world-renowned Chinese painter, will be displayed through Feb. 11.

Those interested in a bit of entertainment can visit Sweet Home High School Feb. 11 between 7 to 9 p.m. for a taste of Chinese folk dancing and song performed by the Beijing Overseas Association Performing Troupe.

The Buffalo State Center for China Studies is co-sponsoring the event as they do many other Chinese cultural events in the area.

The center is in the process of organizing a Chinese culture show highlighting 100 years of Chinese fashion, set to be held on campus sometime in April. Professor of sociology and director of the Center for China Studies, Jie Zhang, said the event will be free to all students and faculty.

Nicole Haas can be reached at haasnm15@buffalostate.edu