On Feb. 15, Baylor College of Medicine hosted a Lunar New Year celebration with a special performance by the Rice Lions, the premiere lion dancing team from Rice University.

The festivities were presented by the Baylor Chinese Students and Scholars Association and sponsored by the Society of Chinese Bioscientists in America Texas Chapter.

Dr. Shixia Huang, associate professor of molecular and cellular biology and education, innovation and technology, shared more about Lunar New Year customs and traditions. Huang is a member of Baylor’s Faculty Senate.

“Lunar New Year, celebrated this year on Feb. 10, is widely observed in East and Southeast Asian countries and various regions, typically lasting for 15 days. The Year of the Dragon in the Lunar New Year festivities symbolizes good fortune, strength and prosperity in Chinese culture. Those born in the Year of the Dragon, which recurs every 12 years, are believed to inherit these positive attributes, making it an auspicious time for celebrations.

Traditional customs such as Dragon/Lion Dances, red decorations and gift-giving contribute to attracting good luck. As we welcome the Year of the Dragon, it’s a time for joyous family reunions and feasting on symbolic foods, with the hope that these traditions will bring happiness and prosperity for the next 12-year cycle.”