Education and fun went hand-in-hand as the Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) Chinese Honor Society hosted an authentic celebration of the Chinese New Year.

The first-of-its-kind event was held in the RFH cafeteria on Jan. 27 to herald the Year of the Rooster, or 4715, which made its official appearance the next day on Jan. 28.

The Chinese New Year celebration was open to all RFH students and organized by students in every RFH Chinese Honors class (Chinese 2, 3, and 4, honors and advanced placement Chinese).

The student hosts researched and prepared an assortment of traditional foods and traditional activities to ring in the New Year, including crafts and games. Student guests earned tokens by participating in activities, which were exchanged for items related to the Chinese New Year. The event, a new RFH tradition, will be hosted by the high school every year.

“The Chinese New Year is a globally celebrated holiday,” RFH Chinese Teacher Rebecca Wang-McKenna said. “All the Chinese Honors students were so excited to share this joyous celebration with our RFH community!”

The Chinese New Year is based on the ancient Chinese calendar that existed when the Shang Dynasty was in power during the 14th century B.C. The Chinese calendar follows the Asian zodiac, meaning that each year is represented by one of the 12 animal signs of the zodiac. Ranked by their significance in Asian culture, the zodiac animals are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.

According to Asian astrology, those born in the Year of the Rooster are known for being observant, heroic, and responsible. They also, like the animal that awakens all at dawn, possess a strong sense of punctuality.

— Edited press release from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH)