The Year of the Rabbit: Celebrations and events being held for the Lunar New Year

Almost a month after the ball drops and the US has rung in a new calendar year comes Lunar New Year, or Chinese New Year, a holiday celebrated over multiple days in China. Jan. 22 marks the year of the rabbit.

Each year is symbolized by an animal, which is determined by a cycle of 12 animals like the monkey and dog. This stems from an ancient Chinese story passed down through generations. 

In honor of the ancient holiday and China's most celebrated festival, Kansas City will have many parties and special events to ring in the Lunar New Year over the next week. 

The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art holds a yearly celebration for Lunar New Year, typically featuring a red fabric dragon, live music, traditional Chinese food and entertainment on Jan. 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Visitors can enjoy Chinese art and relics from the Asian art collection while participating in yo-yo and origami rabbit demonstrations, according to the Museum’s website. 

The Lenexa Public Market also celebrated the holiday with traditional Chinese Performances and specialty menu items today. They featured tai-chi demonstrations as well as folk dance and a craft for children to partake in according to eventbrite.com.

For a different approach to the holiday, the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts will be featuring Shen Yun — a play depicting Chinese growth and development — from Jan. 27-29. The performance of live music and dance showcases 5,000 years of Chinese traditions and culture.