Senate Resolution No. 1753

BY: Senator CHU

COMMEMORATING the Asian-American community's
celebration of the Lunar New Year, the Year of the
Dragon, on February 10, 2024

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor, with
pleasure and great pride, the Asian-American community of the State of
New York upon the occasion of the celebration of the Lunar New Year; and

WHEREAS, The Lunar New Year is a festival of great importance in
Asian-American communities; the celebration of the Lunar New Year is
fundamental to Asian-American cultures and promotes both goodwill and
self-reflection; it is a joyous occasion welcomed annually with
distinguishing festivities and much preparation; the celebration of the
Lunar New Year is a tradition by which Asian Americans proclaim the
arrival of a new year and look forward to what it will bring; and

WHEREAS, According to one legend, Buddha invited the animals of the
world to visit him, rewarding those who came by naming a year in their
honor; each animal, in turn, gave its characteristics to those born
during its year; and

WHEREAS, On February 10, 2024 - January 25, 2025, in accordance with
their calendar and beliefs, Asian Americans will joyously usher in the
Year of the Dragon; and

WHEREAS, The Dragon is the fifth in the twelve-year cycle of animals
that appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar; the
Year of the Dragon is associated with the Earthly Branch symbol; and

WHEREAS, The Dragon is a noble and powerful animal, full of vitality
and idealism; people born in the Year of the Dragon usually have
confident and courageous personality traits; they are ambitious and hold
lofty ideas that they aspire to use for the benefit of their
communities, and they are charismatic and fearless leaders that will
tackle any challenge; and

WHEREAS, Those born under the sign of the Dragon are a symbol of
power, nobility, honor, and luck in Chinese culture; 2024 is predicted
to be a year of opportunity and change; and

WHEREAS, The distinguished beauty of the Asian culture and the
contribution of its people in business and the economy as well as in the
arts and sciences has left substantial impacts on our global community;
the contributions of Asian Americans are particularly esteemed within
the Empire State and are acknowledged for their outstanding merit and
value; and

WHEREAS, Recognizing the significance of their contributions to the
City and State of New York, this Legislative Body is proud to honor all
New Yorkers of Asian ancestry, joining with them in welcoming the Year
of the Dragon, on February 10, 2024; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the Asian-American community's celebration of the Lunar New
Year, the Year of the Dragon, on February 10, 2024; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to distinguished members of the Asian-American community.