Pitt welcomes Year of Pig

On the snowy Thursday evening of Feb. 15, 2007, the lobby of the William Pitt Union was… On the snowy Thursday evening of Feb. 15, 2007, the lobby of the William Pitt Union was transformed with eager Pitt students waiting to welcome the Year of the Pig.

The Chinese New Year falls on Feb. 18, the first day of the Lunar Calendar. This year, to greet the traditionally joyous New Year, Pitt’s Chinese American Students Association put on an elaborate show on the first floor of the WPU.

More than 400 students attended the free celebration, and many were willing to wait more than 30 minutes in a line that extended through the whole first floor of the WPU for a seat in the Assembly Room.

The president of CASA, Amy Yeu, organized the majority of the event.

“We always sell out to this. So far we’ve been putting this on for six years and have expanded its capacity every time. Our goal is to teach students about a different culture,” Yeu said.

Educating students about Chinese culture included various traditional performances from Chinese Yo-Yo to a Chinese folk Swing Skirt dance, as well as the appeal of free Chinese cuisine.

A large part of the event was the use of the color red. In Chinese culture, red signifies life and good fortune, and this was broadcasted across the stage and in the actors’ clothing.

The Year of the Pig celebration opened with a stellar lion dance. This well-rehearsed act consisted of two lions that are known as guardian creatures in Chinese culture. Both lions’ eyes and mouths moved and those involved in the dance put on a memorable show that instantly won the audience over.

Thomas Sew, secretary of CASA, was one of the performers in the lion dance and was one of four others in the popular Chinese Yo-Yo skit.

“I can’t even remember how long I’ve been doing Yo-Yo for. It’s got to be at least four years, but I’ve only done the lion dance for about six months,” Sew said.

Other acts performed during the New Year’s celebration included a student-run skit by Sky Lao called M.S.G.

This extensive play showcased many Chinese morals including family unity and keeping a pure spirit. Students especially enjoyed the appearance of a “gorilla.”

To give back to the students, free raffles were announced sporadically during the show. The emcees of the evening were three students, including two “CaucASIANS,” who awarded prizes such as dinners for two and Chinese coin purses.

For those interested in Chinese fashion, CASA put on a fashion show. With 16 student models, it showcased colorful and traditional Chinese attire.

Anticipation flowed from the students’ seats as the seducing aroma of Chinese fare filled the Assembly Room. Catered by Szechuan Express, the free food included General Tso’s, chicken and broccoli, lo mein, steamed rice and fortune cookies, among other dishes.

The Chinese New Year celebration in the Union required extensive planning and devoted CASA members to help organize the event.

“I practiced my two performances four times in the last month. We started creating ideas for the show and decorations at the beginning of the semester,” Sew said.

The general response to the Chinese New Year’s celebration in the WPU was that it was a pleasant and educational experience.

Charity Sperringer was one student who enjoyed the event.

“It was entertaining. I came because one of my friends was in a skit. I’m definitely coming again next year,” Sperringer said.