Every year, the period around the traditional Chinese New Year is the most lively time in the American Chinese community. Last Saturday (February 7th), a celebration event held at Diamond Bar High School in the Chinese enclave of Los Angeles attracted thousands of spectators from various ethnicities. As they celebrated the New Year and looked forward to good luck, attendees enjoyed fantastic performances by community residents, especially the children from Chinese families, showcasing a vibrant atmosphere for the upcoming Lunar New Year.
The celebration kicked off around 9:30 am, with the parking lot at Diamond Bar High School quickly filling up, forcing latecomers to park several blocks away. Some parents mentioned that this was the most enthusiastic turnout they had seen in years. The central plaza of the campus was surrounded by guests, all exchanging smiles and blessings. Stalls were set up along the walkways, inviting guests to sit down and taste traditional Chinese snacks. The young children at the game booths had the opportunity to win prizes and make new friends.
Local dignitaries from Diamond Bar, Walnut Water District officials, school district board members, the library director, and representatives from Los Angeles County arrived at the event. The lion dance performance marked the beginning of the celebration. Two colorful lion dancers, portrayed by four young performers, energetically danced around, bringing joy and earning applause from the audience. Their spirited performance delighted the guests, who generously rewarded them with red envelopes.
The event was organized by the Diamond Bar Chinese American Association in collaboration with the Chinese School of Diamond Bar and its Parent-Teacher Association. President of the association, Guo Kaiqi, emphasized the significance of the annual New Year celebration for the local Chinese community. This year, the event also attracted attendees from Korea, mainland China, and Taiwan. Guo noted, “The New Year celebration is one of China’s traditional cultures. This event unites people of different backgrounds, bringing joy to individuals of every ethnic group.”
Principal Tang Wei of Diamond Bar Chinese School mentioned that many students participated in the performance activities. Learning Chinese does not burden the children with stress or heavy academic loads. Teachers incorporate various fun games, song and dance performances, and talent courses into the curriculum. Tang added, “Besides learning Chinese, students can explore their potential and develop their talents.”
Traditional Chinese cultural performances, such as martial arts, dance, orchestra music, and traditional musical instruments, followed the lion dance. Performers from various groups expressed their joy as the event provided them an opportunity to showcase the results of their year-long training.
Nancy, the head coach of Jing Wu Tang in Los Angeles, led several students to participate in the event. She emphasized the promotion of martial arts as a quintessential part of Chinese culture overseas. Nancy noticed significant changes in children who have participated in martial arts training. “They demonstrate increased confidence, no longer feeling stage fright after competitions or performances. Their overall mental outlook and physical fitness have improved,” Nancy shared. Cultivating the spirit of martial virtue also helps children learn teamwork, respect for elders, and love for their peers.
Eris Wang, who has been training for four years, won the overall championship in the youth division of the national martial arts competition last year. “I’ve always enjoyed sports since I was young, and my parents support me, seeing talent in me for sports,” Eris said. She believes that practicing martial arts allows her to deepen her understanding of Chinese culture, strengthen her physical abilities, and improve her health.
While martial arts showcase the dynamic aspects of traditional Chinese culture through movement, abacus calculation demonstrates the vibrant nature of traditional culture through a more static practice. Teacher An Qiuling from the United States Abacus Arithmetic Association introduced abacus calculation to visitors at the booth. She explained that abacus calculation can train both the left and right brains. After some time, children become more sensitive to numbers, memorize English words faster, and excel in mathematics.
Dr. Deng Jiayou’s daughter, a student of abacus calculation, also served at the booth that day. Dr. Deng shared that his daughter is in the 11th grade and has passed the AP Calculus BC exam, excelling in mathematics. “The main purpose of mental calculation is to focus attention,” Dr. Deng noted. In today’s digital age, where young people are constantly distracted by video games, learning abacus calculation can help train children’s attention, making them wiser individuals.
Cynthia Yu, the director of Diamond Bar Library, revealed plans for a Chinese New Year introduction event by the end of February. The event aims to help residents of all ethnicities understand Chinese culture. The library has prepared many relevant books and CDs. Cynthia believes that teaching children about traditional culture helps them understand their roots in life and culture.