LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the Asian-American community's
celebration of the Lunar New Year, 4713, the Year of the Ram February
19, 2015

WHEREAS, With due cause and proper resolve, this Legislative Body honors
the Asian-American community of the State of New York as it celebrates
the Lunar New Year; and
WHEREAS, According to legend, the Jade Emperor 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 people
born in its year; and
WHEREAS, According to popular story, the order of the Zodiac was
decided by a great race in which the horse ran as fast as it could, only
to lose to the Snake, which rode on his leg; and
WHEREAS, The Asian-American community joyously ushers in the Year of
the Ram, 4713, on February 19, 2015; and
WHEREAS, People born in the Year of the Rame are characterized by
their shyness, generosity and kind nature; they are easily touched by
other people's misfortunes; and
WHEREAS, Those born under the Sign of the Ram behave gracefully and
are always respected and admired by others; besides being good housek-
eepers, they are also fond of children and pets; and
WHEREAS, As the eighth animal of the Chinese Zodiac, people born under
this sign occupy a fortuitous position, for the number eight in China is
an auspicious one, symbolizing peace and properity; and
WHEREAS, The Lunar New Year, the most important and most popular of
Asian festivals, exemplifies the rich and diverse cultural traditions of
Asian-Americans; and
WHEREAS, New York State is blessed with many citizens of Asian
descent; they are distinguished by their excellence and their contrib-
utions to all fields of endeavor; 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, 4713, the Year of the Ram, on February 19, 2015; and
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to distinguished members of the Asian-American community.