Kutztown University’s Chinese Students and Scholars Association recently hosted its annual Lunar New Year Celebration.

The Lunar New Year, also called Spring Festival, has more than 4000 years of history.

The celebration is the grandest and most important annual event for many Asian people.

Steeped in tradition, the holiday is celebrated with decorations, dragon and lion dances, family reunions, house cleaning, and lucky money given to children.

The Lunar New Year date changes every year based on the Lunar Calendar.

There are 12 animal signs in the Chinese Zodiac and 2017 is the year of the Rooster.

People born in the Year of Rooster are felt to have characteristics such as being independent, honest, bright, communicative and ambitious.

This year’s celebration at Kutztown University also included musical acts and a spectacular performance by the Chinese Acrobats, a group that features traditional Chinese routines, which include balance, acrobatics, gymnastics and thrilling entertainment.

Sponsored by Association of Campus Events and Kutztown University’s Multicultural Center, guests were treated to free Asian foods, music, games and prizes.

Open to KU students, faculty and the entire community, the evening was designed to celebrate the Lunar New Year, while also integrating and educating students and the public about Chinese culture.