Asians roll out New Year carpet

For Tom Huynh, the New Year comes with memories of fireworks and childhood friends in Vietnam.

Wayne Xia remembers ringing in the New Year as a child in China with lots of food and family.

Both are preparing to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Dog this weekend through events organized by the Chinese and Vietnamese communities.

"I'd love to invite everyone to come and celebrate," said Huynh, who is among organizers of a New Year's Eve celebration this Saturday at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center.

"It reminds me of home," said Huynh, president of the Vietnamese Community of Utah. "The kids very much try to wear the best outfits they have for that day."

Xia is a member of the Utah Chinese New Year Celebration Committee, which is holding cultural festivals Saturday at the Salt Lake Library and Feb. 11 at East High School.

China and Vietnam are among several Asian nations that celebrate the lunar New Year, often called the Spring Festival. The new year is based on the Chinese calendar, which is estimated to be 3,500 to 4,000 years old, Xia said.

According to tradition, those born in the Year of the Dog will have traits associated with the dog — honest and faithful, but plagued by constant worry, Xia said.

The Chinese Zodiac is one of many traditions associated with the New Year, which is traditionally celebrated for 15 days. Red, a bright, happy color, is worn.

"You're not supposed to say anything bad," Xia said. "Don't sweep the floor . . . you'll wipe away the good luck."

Huynh remembers another tradition: Sweeping during the holiday is taboo, but before the new year, it's customary to clean the home and graves of ancestors. "They invite the spirits of their ancestors to come back to their house and celebrate," Huynh said. "The house is nice and neat so the spirit can come and visit and have a nice place to stay."

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E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com