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Jacksonville celebrates Chinese New Year By Min Yi Su Ashlland Daily Tidings Ashland's neighbor, Jacksonville, is celebrating its Third Annual Chinese New Year from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1 in downtown Jacksonville. There will be a variety of educational and fun activities for children and adults. It is an opportunity for Southern Oregonians learn about Chinese history and culture. In addition to the parade at 11:30 a.m. through downtown, there will be Chinese art activities for children. There will be discussions on Chinese herbs and medicine, Feng Shui and acupuncture demonstrations, exhibits on the major role the Chinese played in Southern Oregon, Chinese culture and language. For details, call the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce at 899-8118. February 1 is the beginning of the Year of the Ram. It is the first day of the year according to the Lunar Calendar. It is a time when families reunite, people eat until their waist bands stretch and children are given plenty of presents - sound familiar? The difference is instead of toys, children receive red envelopes full of money. And instead of turkey, families traditionally heap tables with delectables including fish - representing surplus, oysters - for fortune and dumplings. The amount of food prepared has to be more than the family can eat; it sets the pattern for the rest of the year - food will always be plentiful. New Year's day means visiting friends and watching public performances. Firecrackers are lit throughout the day and night. Houses are decorated with red couplets and words like 'fortune' and 'prosperity.' Neighbors gather to have a good time and welcome the fortunes of the new year. Traditionally, Chinese New Year's celebration lasts two weeks, from the start of the New Moon to the end of the Full Moon. But for now, we'll have to enjoy the one day we have. LINKS: REVELS: Main | Calendar | Dining | Movies | T.V. DAILY TIDINGS: Main | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Opinion | Columnists | AP News | Subscribe | Archives | Weather | Classifieds | Contact Us | Privacy Copyright 2003 Ashland Daily Tidings 541.482.3456. 1661 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR 97520. Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. - Advertisers -