Senate Resolution No. 3534

BY: Senator KAVANAGH

COMMEMORATING the Asian-American community's
celebration of the Lunar New Year, the Year of the
Dog, on February 16, 2018

WHEREAS, With due cause and proper resolve, this Legislative Body
honors the Asian-American community of the State of New York upon the
occasion of the celebration of the Lunar New Year in the Year of the
Dog; and

WHEREAS, According to ancient customs and legend, Asian-Americans
across the State will wear red, light firecrackers and make other loud
noises to symbolically chase away the wild beast Nian, who was once
thought to attack ancient villages at the outset of the New Year; and

WHEREAS, According to legend, the Jade Emperor held a race to
determine the 12 animals to represent the zodiac with the cyclical order
determined by their finishing position; and

WHEREAS, It is said that people take on characteristics based upon
the animal of their birth year, and those born in the Year of the Dog
are said to be characterized by their honesty, loyalty, friendship,
straightforward demeanor, smarts, and commitment to responsibility; and

WHEREAS, The Lunar New Year is the most significant and popular
Asian festival and exemplifies the many diverse traditions of
Asian-Americans; and

WHEREAS, It is with great celebration in the Asian-American
community that public schools in New York City now recognize the Lunar
New Year as a holiday, acknowledging the festival's widespread
veneration and observance across the city; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the Asian-American community's celebration of the Lunar New
Year, the Year of the Dog, on February 16, 2018; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to distinguished members of the Asian-American community.