Senate Resolution No. 187

BY: Senator CHU

COMMEMORATING the Asian-American community's
celebration of the Lunar New Year, the Year of the
Rabbit, on January 22, 2023

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 the those born
during its year; and

WHEREAS, On January 22, 2023 - February 9, 2024, in accordance with
their calendar and beliefs, Asian-Americans will joyously usher in the
Year of the Rabbit; and

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

WHEREAS,The Rabbit is a tame and tender animal, and swift to move;
people born in the Year of the Rabbit usually have soft and tender
personality traits, they keep a modest attitude and maintain a pleasant
relationship to people around them, they will not be irritated easily,
and they also avoid quarrels as much as possible; and

WHEREAS, Those born under the sign of the Rabbit are a symbol of
longevity, peace, and prosperity in Chinese culture; 2023 is predicted
to be a year of hope; 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 Rabbit, on January 22, 2023; 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 Rabbit, on January 22, 2023; and be it further

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