Farmingdale Rotary Celebrate Chinese New Year

The Farmingdale Breakfast Rotary and guests celebrated Chinese New Year with two dragons, two lucky ancient scrolls and a Chinese auction on Feb. 10 at Lotus Garden Restaurant in Farmingdale.

The traditional “lion dance” dragon show was performed by students of the Chinese Center on Long Island. Patti Chow, director of the school explained the meaning of the ancient custom dance moves to the Rotary guests.

Two beautifully costumed dragons danced around the restaurant to scare away the evil spirits as the Year of the Snake begins. During the dance, everyone is invited to give a gift to the dragons which is wrapped in a lucky red and gold envelope.

“Traditionally, red packets are handed out to the younger generation by their parents, grandparents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year,” explained Ms. Chow.

In Chinese tradition, the spirit of the ancestors, together with the living , celebrate the onset of the New Year as one great community. A “family-style” banquet was beautifully prepared and served by the staff at Lotus Garden and enjoyed by the Rotarians, their families, friends and neighbors.

A Chinese auction was held after dinner to help the Breakfast Rotary continue its humanitarian mission of community service projects.

Farmingdale Breakfast Rotary meetings are open to the public and held every Tuesday at 7:45 am at the Farmingdale Public Library.