JOHN DAY – This is the Year of the Sheep, according to Chinese New Year 4700. And according to the Chinese, year 2003 should be a more peaceful year than 2002.

The ram, the eighth animal in the 12-animal cycle, is said to be a proud and domineering animal. People born in “Ram Years” should be strong in the instinct to help and guard his fellows, and they could make good doctors. The Chinese believe that the animal ruling the year a person is born in has a profound influence on personality, and is believed to be “the animal that hides in your heart.”

A complete cycle of the Chinese New Year based on the lunar calendar takes 60 years and is made up of five cycles of 12 years each. Emperor Huang Ti is credited with introducing the first cycle.

Each Chinese New Year last for 15 days. It begins in the home and works its way out to the community or town festival. Each day has certain rituals and traditions ascribed, including the sharing gifts, fruit and candy. Fireworks hail the New Year at midnight. On New Year’s Eve, every door and window in the house is opened to allow the old year to go out. The celebration traditionally ends with a lantern festival.

An early-day Grant County recollection about Chinese New Year from the late Charley and Byrd Trowbridge: “We remember the wonderful hospitality of the Chinese – always the white folks were welcome to attend their New Year’s celebration. Lots of fireworks. The ceremonies before they carved the roasted pig were very mystic. The priest performed the rights over the pig, roasted to perfection. Bowls of rice, tea and other foods were placed on the table with the well-garnished and decorated pig. Chinese candy, China mints, and large oranges (symbols of abundant happiness) were given to each one who attended. For at least two weeks before the New Year, many presents were given to families with whom the China men were especially friendly – silk hose, handkerchiefs, lovely embroidered slippers etc. This giving and sharing was in preparation for the Chinese New Year feast – a thanksgiving offering for their good. The China men were always courteous and friendly to those who were friendly.”

Gifts mentioned can be seen at the Kam Wah Chung and Co. Museum, noted curator Carolyn Micnhimer.

Although celebrations of Chinese New Year vary by region, the underlying message is one of peace and happiness for family and friends.

The Portland Classical Chinese Garden, located at the corner of Northwest Third and Everett, is open year-round and welcomes all to join in its celebration, call (503) 228-8131 or access www.portlandchinesegarden.org for more information.