OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
CITY OF CHICAGO
RAHM EMANUEL
MAYOR
February 10,2016
TO THE HONORABLE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO
Ladies and Gentlemen:
1 transmit herewith, together with Aldermen Solis and Thompson, a resolution concerning the celebration of the Chinese New Year.
Your favorable consideration of this resolution will be appreciated.
Mayor
Very truly yours,
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, begins on the second new moon after the winter solstice and ends on the full moon fifteen days later; and
WHEREAS, This year, February 8, 2016 marks the first day of Chinese New Year 4714, which is also the Year of the Monkey; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Daniel Solis, Alderman ofthe 25th Ward, has brought this important Chinese cultural event to the attention of this Distinguished Body; and
WHEREAS, The Chinese New Year is the most important social and economic holiday in China. Originally tied to the lunar-solar Chinese calendar, this centuries-old festival is held to honor household and heavenly deities, as well as one's ancestors. It is a major public holiday in China and in other areas of the world with significant Chinese populations; and
WHEREAS, Many of Chicago's 43,000 Chinese-American residents will commemorate this illustrious occasion by gathering with family members and friends for an annual reunion dinner accompanied by sumptuous dishes of dumplings, noodles and fish; and
WHEREAS, Other traditional holiday activities include decorating windows and doors with red paper-cuts, lighting firecrackers, and giving gifts of money enclosed in red envelopes; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members ofthe City Council ofthe City of Chicago, assembled this tenth day of February, 2016, do hereby recognize the cultural, social and historical significance of the Chinese New Year; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That we extend to all Chicagoans who observe this wonderful holiday our best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.