MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- The Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic Art will host an event to ring in the Chinese New Year with cultural festivities for the entire family on Saturday, February 16, 2008 from noon until 4pm.  Entertainment for the afternoon will include Chinese music and storytelling, calligraphy demonstrations, a family scavenger hunt and children's crafts.

According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of 2008 is a Year of the Rat, which begins February 7, 2008.  A Rat Year is a time of hard work, activity and renewal. In Chinese, the Rat is respected and considered a courageous, enterprising person. People born in the Year of Rat are clever and bright, sociable and family-minded. They have broad interests and strong ability in adapting to the environment and are able to react adequately to any changes.

The celebration will begin with the announcement of the 2008 Chinese New Year Art Competition winners and conclude with a performance of the Traditional Lion Dance at the Center for Southern Folklore, located above the museum.  

For more information on the event’s activities contact the Belz Museum staff at 901-523-ARTS.