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WHEREAS, Lunar New Year began in China more than 4,000 years ago and is widely celebrated in East and Southeast Asia and the Asian diaspora, expanding the Lunar New Year celebration into an annual worldwide event; and,
WHEREAS, Lunar New Year begins February 8, 2016 on the second new moon following the winter solstice and continues for 15 days to the Lantern Festival on February 23, 2016; and,
WHEREAS, the Lunar New Year is traditionally a time to travel to spend the holiday reuniting with family and friends and to wish upon others good fortune, health, prosperity and happiness; and,
WHEREAS, the Lunar New Year is celebrated by tens of thousands of Asian Americans and many non-Asian Americans. Pittsburgh has a growing Asian American population in Squirrel l Hill which benefits from this diversity and enjoys the offerings of quality Chinese American and Pan-Asian restaurants who will be participating in the Lunar New Year celebration; and,
WHEREAS, the 2016 Pittsburgh Lunar New Year Celebration will begin with a program of activities in Squirrel Hill on February 6, 2016, at the JCC and will end with a parade on Murray Avenue on February 21, 2016 . Organizers and sponsors of the Lunar New Year Celebration include Uncover Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh Chinese Cultural Center, Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Pittsburgh, Organization of Chinese Americans Pittsburgh Chapter, Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh, Next Gen: Pgh, Pittsburgh Chinese School, Confucius Institute at the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Asian Studies Center and the Japan-America Society of Pennsylvania.
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize the cultural and historical significance of the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Fire Monkey, for the Asian American community in Squirrel Hill and beyond, expresses its deepest respect for Asian Americans and congratulates the partners who organized Lunar New Year in Pittsburgh, wishing all a happy and prosperous New Year; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare February 6 to 23, 2016 to be “LUNAR NEW YEAR” in the City of Pittsburgh.