e-culture: La China Poblana, Azn Conversazn, Lunar New Year, Save the Date
February 8, 2005


IN THIS ISSUE

New Year Resolutions
Azn Conversazn
Chinese New Year Legends
Houston's Chinatown
La China Poblana
The Chinese in Arizona
Save the Date
Volunteerism in Houston
Houston Events


New Year Resolutions

In the final days of 2004, with the terrible devastation of the Tsunami becoming more clear with each news report, it would have been selfish for us to make New Year resolutions for ourselves in the face of such tragedy. It was one of the worst disasters of our time, second only to the destruction man has made in places like Indonesia, Cambodia, Rwanda and the Sudan.

Humans have a capacity for bringing tremendous killing and destruction to the world, but humanitarian people have the ability to resolve problems and act in times of crises, maybe more so in the face of nature's devastation than man's devastation.

No one is paid to truly care. Behind public servants, elected officials and NGO managers there must be people who care, who are willing to make their voices heard or do extra work without counting cash. It is through greater public opinion, contribution and show of support that policy makers make the right decisions or move faster to help others. Through volunteer efforts, children are fed before school, oppressed people have a chance to someday be free, aid is delivered to devastated areas, and issues in communities near and far come to light.

Giving more of your time for good causes is always a great New Year resolution. In these times it makes more sense to think of others than to fret over self-help trends. Volunteerism works for the world, the community, and the individual.

Please read Volunteerism in Houston below.

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Azn Conversazn

Here we follow a conversation taking place over the Internet between several Asian American teens as they explore their cultural traditions. They use abbreviations (like Azn) and acronyms (like ABC for American-born Chinese). The teens reveal that they are interested in the traditions of their ancestors and would like to learn more from their parents. But being immersed in American culture, they believe that the Chinese lunar calendar is adjusted to suit the Western solar calendar, and only consider the changing seasons in relation to farming in China.

There is an extra month, or New Moon, in the Chinese calendar seven times during the 19-year cycle. Keep in mind that in much of Asia the Western calendar (with 13 New Moons frequently occurring in 12 months) is difficult to follow in relation to the traditional lunar calendar (where months are based on the astronomical cycles of the moon).

An Azn conversazn:

pero chan (San Jose) - hey, when is the date of the chinese new year?? since it changes every year, so i want to know what date it is.

MrSparko (location?) - u just want the Red Pocket Money (Lai See) haha

Hiryuu (Berkley, CA) - Anyone know exactly how the Chinese calendar works? Seems to me it has a variable number of days, and that on average it is as long as the solar year, because if it was on average shorter, Chinese New Year would be earlier and earlier till it started in December or something. Similarly if it were on average longer, New Year would be later and later. Anyone can explain? I'm ABC, I'm clueless about this.

Abzolut (San Fran) - gosh, its so late this year. usually its like in mid january.

pero chan (San Jose) - i think chinese calendar is totally different than western one. my birthday in western calendar is in January but in chinese calendar my birthday is in December.

pekkle (San Jose) - I only know that the chinese year follows the lunar calendar vs the western year which follows the Gregorian / Julian / Solar calendar (which is more fixed) ... the lunar one is good mostly for farming i think ... help w/ the planting / harvesting seasons?

pero chan (San Jose) - ya, and i heard chinese calendar is more accurate than western one.

aznplucky ('whitetown') - more accurate? how so?

pero chan (San Jose) - ya, you know there is a couple days in every month that is full moon. well, in chinese calendar, every 15th of the month indicate full moon compared to western calendar that 15th of the month doesn't have full moon or probably even half of the moon. correct me if im wrong, but i think ancient chinese use this method to tell time.

phillz (Sydney) - u know ur chinese stuff well pero chan =)

aznplucky ('whitetown') - heh, cool, i never knew that. thanks for sharing.

zen zu nai lu (Bay Area, CA) - yea, never knew that either.. that's pretty cool. you'd think my parents would tell me stuff like this...

Trout ('SteelTown') - They have "Big" months and "small" months on the lunar calendar...I was born on one of the "rare dates" on the lunar calendar, something like feb 29 in a leap year thingie...

pero chan (San Jose) - heh~ ya, my mom told me.

AzNxDragon (Houston, TX) - They shouldn't call it Chinese New Year.... Other ethnicities celebrate it to u kno.... *cough* Viets *cough* =]

pero chan (San Jose) - heh~ or we can call it Asian New Year. is that sound better?

Kienai (Minnesota) - It changes every year.. How do you even figure it out?

Omisgosh (location?) - Yea, the Lunar Calendar is indeed shorter than the Solar Calendar. All I know is that once in a few years, an extra month appears on the calendar. Like in 1999 or something, we had a double August in the lunar calendar, so theoretically, we had two mid-autumn festival, hehe. Wishful thinking. But double Augusts is supposed to be an omen for something to happen, I think. Probly has to do with farming. Yea, the extra month prevents the new year from getting into December territory, which will be weird.


The Chinese New Year begins on the first New Moon and continues for 15 days until the moon is full. Each day of the 15-day New Year celebration is dedicated to prayers for ancestors, parents and in-laws, as well as productivity, good health, luck and wealth. Children are given money wrapped in red paper. Preparations are made on the 14th day for the Lantern Festival, which takes place on the 15th night.

Learn more about Chinese New Year:
http://www.houstonculture.org/cr/cny.html

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Chinese New Year Legends

By Michelle Ong

Chinese New Year begins on the first day of the lunar calendar, which will be on February 9, introducing the year of the Rooster. The holiday emphasizes the importance of family and is a time for family reunions. Prior to the New Year is a period of housecleaning to bring in good luck. Legend recounts that a beast called Nian preyed upon one Chinese village and would eat the people. One day an immortal god disguised as an old man arrived in the village. He told Nian that such a formidable beast should swallow other beasts instead of unworthy villagers. Nian then started to eat the other beasts. The old man advised the villagers to hang red decorations on their windows and doors to guard against Nian in case he returned, since Nian feared the color red. The villagers would also light firecrackers to scare Nian away.

Families celebrate various traditions such as praying to the Gods and to the family ancestors for good luck for the New Year. Some pray in Buddhist temples with incense sticks to various gods. Others pray to family shrines where they also place food as gifts to the ancestors. Families decorate their houses with Buddhas to bring luck and hang "spring couplets", paper scrolls that have written blessings such as "good fortune" and "longevity". Chinese people avoid washing their hair on New Year's Day, which denotes washing away all their good fortune for the New Year. Many also wear red clothing to signify good luck.

Families feast during the New Year, eating such food as Chinese dumplings, "thousand year old" noodles and red-dyed hard-boiled eggs. Chinese dumplings allegedly aid those who eat them to accumulate fortune and wealth. The uncut noodles represent longevity.

One very important tradition is for the married to give red envelopes filled with money, known as "hong bao" or "am pau" to the unmarried. Red symbolizes life, good luck and happiness. With this tradition, the married offer wishes of good luck and fortune to the unmarried.

Lion and dragon dancing festivals highlight the New Year and occur in the various areas of Houston's Chinatowns. The lion and dragon will dance to the beat of drums and attempt to eat cabbage or money hanging in front of stores. The heads of the lions and dragons supposedly deflect evil.


The joy of giving unique and cultural gifts doesn't end with the traditional winter holidays. Here are some holiday gift ideas for spring holidays as well:
http://www.houstonculture.org/main/gifts2004.html

Just for fun, try a virtual fortune cookie:
http://www.houstonculture.org/fortune

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Houston's Chinatown

There are 36,000 Chinese restaurants in the United States, more than the top three fast-food burger chains combined. While small towns may have just one Chinese restaurant, particularly across the West where Chinese people first settled to build the Central Pacific Railroad and work in mines, most big cities have a distinctly Chinese district with many Chinese restaurants and shops, which primarily served Chinese people working in many trades and professions during the early days.

In these "Chinatown" communities, restaurants now cater to American tastes, as well as those who crave authentic Chinese food. Ownership of Chinese businesses is important for the independence of the Chinese community.

The earliest Texas Chinese populations settled successively in Calvert and El Paso, with railroad companies between 1870 and 1881, and then San Antonio in 1917, when 527 Mexican Chinese came to Texas with U.S. General "Blackjack" Pershing. Following World War II, Houston's Chinese population surpassed San Antonio to become the largest in Texas.

Read about Houston's Chinatown by Ruwanthi Vigilant:
http://www.houstonculture.org/cultures/chinese


Celebrate the Chinese New Year
It's the year 4703 on the Lunar Calendar, and time to welcome the Year of the Rooster! Entertainment for the Family will feature Children's Theater (Day-long talent show, presented by the kids from our Chinese School); Martial arts; Rooster Dance; and Dragon Dance.

February 12, 10:00am - 4:00pm
Free Admission
Chinese Community Center
5855 Sovereign (between Harwin and Town Park)
Houston, TX 77036

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La China Poblana

La China Poblana has a special place in the hearts of Mexican people who revere Puebla, ranking just below Mexico's freedom and above delicious food as a symbol of Puebla's proud history. Puebla is know to the world as the city where Mexico defeated the French on May 5, 1862 to eventually win its second independence. For Mexican people, Puebla is known as a great place to enjoy delicious varieties of mole poblano (sauces made with chocolate and spices usually poured over chicken) and chiles enogada, (poblano peppers that are covered with red and white sauces to resemble the flag of Mexico).

But for people all over Mexico and audiences throughout the world, the tradition of La China Poblana is seen on the brightly embroidered ballet folklorico dress style from Puebla, thought to be Chinese in its influence.

La China Poblana, an Asian woman who lived in Puebla, came to Mexico in 1620 as a servant and left her mark on the traditions of the Spanish colonial region with her clothing.

The girl who came to Mexico in the early seventeenth century was probably sold into servitude by traders in the port of Acapulco. She is believed to have been captured by South Seas pirates when she was nine. Evidence indicates she was named Mirrha and came from India, through Spanish controlled ports in the Philippines.

Mirrha (La China Poblana) is believed to have been bought by Miguel de Sosa, who baptized the eleven-year-old "Chinese girl" and gave her the Christian name Catarina de San Juan. After Sosa and his wife died, Catarina married Domingo Suárez, the Chinese servant of a local priest, adding to the legend that she was Chinese.

The dress style now known as China Poblana, a white blouse and colorful embroidered red and green shirt, has evolved to include the national symbols of Mexico - an eagle clutching a snake, and prickly pair cactus. A woman who wears the dress usually braids her hair on two sides, tied with red, white and green ribbons.

Some Mexican people attribute the style to the indigenous people of the region, believing they wore a dress style that resembled a Chinese dress, while most others believe the style developed from the "Chinese girl" who was a servant in Puebla. They say it is widely known and handed down through local tradition that the people admired the girl, La China Poblana, for her generosity and exotic beauty, and they honored her by wearing her dress style.

Catarina de San Juan (1609-1688) is believed buried at he Templo de la Compañia. The Museo Casa del Alfeñique exhibits China Poblana costumes and a local restaurant is named Las Chinas de Puebla. There is also a monument to La China Poblana at the intersection of Boulevard Heroes del 5 de Mayo and Avenida Defensores de La Republica.

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The Chinese in Arizona

Twenty Chinese immigrants first came to Arizona to work in the Vulture Mine in 1868.

A small Chinese community developed in Phoenix by 1872, offering services and growing produce south of Phoenix. Chinese railroad workers came from California to Yuma in 1877. Work on the railroad led the Chinese immigrants to Tucson and eventually Tombstone. During the 1880s, Tucson's Chinese population of 159 exceeded the community of 109 in Phoenix. Pima County's 1880 census recorded at 880 Chinese railroad workers. Many began farming along the Santa Cruz River south of Tucson.

In 1878, Edward Schieffelin discovered silver near Camp Huachuca, resulting in the mining boomtown of Tombstone. Jewish pioneer Jacob Isaacson established a store at Nogales Pass on the U.S.-Mexico border in 1880, where the New Mexico & Arizona Railroad joined the Sonora Railroad in 1882. That same year, growing prejudice and economic competition resulted in the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.
See: http://www.houstonculture.org/vc/cea1882.html

In southern Arizona, "Chinatowns" existed in Tucson, Tombstone and Benson, as Chinese immigrants established businesses to serve Chinese miners and railroad workers, and territorial Arizona's growing population. In their stores near Native American lands, Chinese merchants learned native languages to communicate with indigenous groups like the Pima (O'odham).

While the Chinese Exclusion Act banned immigration of Chinese laborers into the United States for ten years. [It was renewed in 1892; made permanent in 1902; and repealed in 1943.], Chinese workers continued to enter from Mexico over Nogales Pass to meet the growing demand for labor in the West.

In the 1890s, Chinese businesses operated across southern Arizona and throughout the Phoenix Valley, reaching as far as Prescott and Holbrook above the Mogollon Rim. Chinese farmers supplied produce for settlers across the state, in the Yuma territorial prison, and even operated a cattle ranch in Lochiel.

Arizona's population of mostly Anglo settlers grew following Geronimo's surrender to Major General Nelson A. Miles in 1886, but mining industries declined, and overgrazing cattle and drought resulted in environmental destruction by the early twentieth century. The 1950 census reported Arizona's Chinese population at 1,951. Their ratio of Arizona's population fell from four percent in 1880 to less than half of one percent by 1950. Though most operated businesses in Arizona cities, some continued working in modern mining communities like Globe, and on dam construction.


Educational Opportunities for Children:

The history of the Chinese in Arizona is just one of the important aspects of cultural history in the United States that the kids at Camp Dos Cabezas will study. They will learn how the Chinese lived and worked among the Native Americans, Mexican ranchers, Black soldiers and Eastern European miners. If you are interested to learn more about this unique opportunity for Houston children, see "Save the Date" below.

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Save the Date

Camp Dos Cabezas Presentation

Camp Dos Cabezas is an educational youth camp in the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona. We will give a presentation for anyone who is interested in being a volunteer or education partner for the camp. The pilot project will take place May 28 - June 4, 2005.

General Interest Meeting for Camp Dos Cabezas
Saturday, February 26, 2005, 4:30pm
Eleanor K. Freed Montrose Branch
Houston Public Library
4100 Montrose Blvd at Colquitt

Get more information about Camp Dos Cabezas:
http://www.houstonculture.org/camp

Please contact us at info@houstonculture.org to learn more.


More important dates to save:

EDUCATIONAL TRAVEL ADVENTURES

Multicultural New Orleans, March 16 - 20, 2005
DC Latino Music Initiative and NYC Adventure, July 1 - 9, 2005
The Land of Enchantment, August 6 - 14, 2005
West Indian Celebration and NYC Adventure, September 1 - 6, 2005
El Dia de los Muertos, October 28 - November 4, 2005

Please contact us at info@houstonculture.org to learn more.

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Volunteerism in Houston

We surveyed 22 non-profit organizations in Houston and found that volunteerism is down. Six organizations dropped out of the survey in September 2001, but of the 14 we followed through 2004, 12 struggled to get the commitment of volunteers, and most saw a decline in individual volunteers. Of the remaining two, one saw an increase in volunteers and the other closed its doors. (As we have noted before, Houston Institute for Culture saw an increase intent to volunteer after September 11, 2001, but a general decline in actual volunteerism over the past four years.)

[Note: We utilize more volunteers today than four years ago, however, as a rapidly growing organization we have fewer volunteers per program. That may be a factor for other organizations as well, as they may be experiencing increased demands or struggling with limited budgets.] Our information did not correspond to national trends, which reflect increased volunteerism. Our survey only considered one Houston organization that utilizes large numbers of volunteers on a one-time basis for the purpose of fundraising. Most other organizations rely on volunteers throughout the year for their operation. The upward trend in volunteerism seems to be through company-sponsored programs to raise money for health research. Companies are able to give incentives for their employees to take part in charitable causes (generally select causes), and in return the companies get publicity and brand exposure.

The benefit to causes supported by companies, such as medical research and neighborhood cleanup, is undeniably great. But there is a need for citizens to recognize and support many issues in their communities. The need is realized in the increase in non-profit organizations engaged in charitable work for the sick, poor and homeless, and the strain on churches and community medical facilities. Most of these efforts need just a few people to help. It's easier than ever to make the connections by looking on the Internet, or just looking around at the needs in local communities. There is an educational mission, or effort to collect donations, or community issue, to be filled by people of all interests. The volunteer commitment must go beyond company incentives and logoed t-shirts.


Non-profit organizations that are in need of volunteers should contact the following:

Volunteer Houston
http://www.volunteerhouston.org

University of Houston - Metropolitan Volunteer Program (MVP)
http://www.uh.edu/mvp

Rice University - Rice Student Volunteer Program (RSVP)
http://www.rice.edu/~rsvp

Houston Area Association of Volunteer Administrators
http://www.hava.org

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Houston Events

Globalization Working Group
Wednesday, February 9, 7:30pm
Maryknoll House, Olive Branch Room
2360 Rice Blvd. (four doors west of Greenbriar)

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Clogged Caps 3: the Movie
produced by Reset Video
with shorts from San Antonio's Reset Video Magazine
The Reset Video Collective will be in the theater for Q&A

As exceptionally stylish and inventive as graffiti art itself, Clogged Caps 3, the Movie (2004 - 65 mins), is a film that takes a retrospective look at San Antonio, Texas' annual international graffiti arts festival, while exploring a barrage of topics ranging from hip hop's foundation, cultural mores, taboos and social influence. Documenting the third annual Clogged Caps graffiti arts festival that was held during the blistering summer of 2003, the film covers all of the vibrant live mural sessions, top-notch music performances, break dance battles and interviews with attendees that put every angle into perspective. It provides understanding and insight into the phenomenon of graffiti and hip hop culture in general, which has rapidly spread worldwide from its humble beginnings in New York City some 30 years ago.

Thursday, February 10, 8:00pm
Rice Cinema
Rice University Campus at entrance #8 (University Blvd. and Stockton Dr.)
http://ricecinema.rice.edu

For more information:
http://houston.indymedia.org

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"U.S.-Asia Relations: The Next Four Years"
Ambassadors' Forum and Corporate Conference

Keynote Addresses: Ambassador Marie T. Huhtala - Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, US Department of State.

Ambassadors' Forum: Afghanistan - H. E. Said Jawad; Nepal - H. E. Kedar B. Shrestha; Kyrgyzstan - H. E. Baktybek Abdrisaev; Mongolia - H. E. Ravdan Bold; China - H. E. Yang Jiechi (Tentative); Pakistan - H.E. Jehangir Karamat (Tentative); Vietnam - Counselor Vu Dang Dzung, Deputy Chief of the Mission.

Business Conference: Gowher Rizvi - Kennedy School, Harvard; Tom Hubbard - Former US Ambassador to Korea and Philippines; Roger Nanney - Deloitte & Touche, Managing Partner for the Mid America Region; Larry C. Napper, Former US Ambassador to Kazahkstan; Diplomat in Residence, Houston, Texas; David W. Spence - Managing Director, Regulatory and Industry Affairs, FedEx; more.

Friday, February 11, 2005, 8:00am - 2:00pm
$75: Forum and Luncheon for Asia Society Members
$100: Forum and Luncheon for Non Members
InterContinental Hotel
Contact:
Asia Society Texas
Phone: 713.439.0051
Email: txcenter@asiasoc.org

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Viva el Amor

Mariachi MECA's Annual Valentines Day Serenade. $5.00 per person presale (via phone at 866-468-7621); $7.50 at the door.

February 11, 8:00pm
MECA
1900 Kane St
Houston, TX 77009
713-802-9370
http://www.meca-houston.org

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Celebrate the Chinese New Year
It's the year 4703 on the Lunar Calendar, and time to welcome the Year of the Rooster! Entertainment for the Family will feature Children's Theater (Day-long talent show, presented by the kids from our Chinese School); Martial arts; Rooster Dance; and Dragon Dance.

February 12, 10:00am - 4:00pm
Free Admission
Chinese Community Center
5855 Sovereign (between Harwin and Town Park)
Houston, TX 77036

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"Can Religion Unite Mankind? The Contribution of the Black Church"
Guest Lecturer: Dr. Thomas Freeman

The Rothko Chapel, in conjunction with Satori Communications will celebrate Black History Month with guest lecturer, Dr. Thomas Freeman, Texas Southern University Debate Coach. Dr. Freeman, described as an "icon" by Alan Helfman of River Oaks Chrysler Jeep, was a Professor of Religion to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He also taught and mentored the late Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, the first African-America elected to Congress after Reconstruction, the late Congressman Mickey Leland, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, State Representatives Harold Dutton and Rodney Ellis, and many others. President George W. Bush recently honored Dr. Freemen by a command performance at the White House with Coretta Scott King.

February 12, 2005, 2:00 pm
The Rothko Chapel
1409 Sul Ross Street
Houston, TX 77006
713-524-9839

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"Image of the Not-Seen: Search for Understanding"

The Rothko Chapel Art Series
The Rothko Chapel presents the second lecture in our six month long art series, "What the Rothko Chapel Means to Houston's Art World" with Museum Directors Peter Marzio, Houston Museum of Fine Arts, Josef Helfenstein, The Menil Collection, and Marti Mayo, The Contemporary Arts Museum. In this lecture Josef Helfenstein, Peter Marzio and Marti Mayo will cover historical information about John and Dominique de Menil, information about the neighborhood that surrounds the Chapel, and how the Chapel's art can lead to human dialogue about a variety of subjects, including aspects of human rights and religion.

February 15, 2005, 7:30 pm
The Rothko Chapel
1409 Sul Ross Street
Houston, TX 77006
713-524-9839

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Globalization Forum
Wednesday, February 16, 7:30pm
Maryknoll House, Olive Branch Room
2360 Rice Blvd. (four doors west of Greenbriar)



Thank you for supporting great educational and cultural activities.

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M  a  r  k @houstonculture.org


Traditions of Mexico:
http://www.houstonculture.org/mexico

Latino Music Initiative:
http://www.houstonculture.org/musica

Texas-Mexico Border Issues:
http://www.houstonculture.org/border