Release: Immediate
Contact: Esther Wu |214-271-4484 | ewu@crowcollection.org
Photos: stock photos upon request
Family Days at the Crow, the first of a series of monthly programs featuring activities for the entire family, begins Saturday, February 7. The series debuts with a celebration of the Chinese Lantern Festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Join us as we embrace the Chinese Lantern Festival at the Crow Collection. Come and decorate your own lantern and parade around the museum with traditional lion dancers from J.K. Wong Kung Fu Tai Chi Academy. Sample Yuan Xiaos or Tang Yuan, sticky rice balls that are at the center of traditional family meals during the festival.
Free and open to the public. No reservations required.
“The Lantern Festival at the Crow Collection will offer visitors an exciting day filled with opportunities to explore Chinese art and culture,” said Kate Wurtzel, Director of Education at the Crow Collection of Asian Art. “This traditional Chinese holiday marks the end of the Lunar New Year celebration, and signals the beginning of our much anticipated Family Day series. Celebrate with us every first Saturday of the month when all families can experience a touch of Asia in Dallas!”
According to Chinese folklore, the festival dates back to the Han Dynasty over 2,000 years ago when the Jade Emperor became enraged at a town for a small transgression and ordered it to be burned down. When villagers learned of his plan, they lit every lantern in the village and the Emperor passed by, thinking the town was already ablaze.
In China, this festival is traditionally highlighted by elaborate firework displays and parades led by people carrying large multicolored paper lanterns in the shape of dragons, butterflies and other animals. Children often write wishes on their lanterns in hopes that their messages will be carried to the heavens. Traditional family meals include yuan xiao or tang yuans – sticky rice balls, sometimes rolled around a filling of sesame, peanuts or red bean paste. The sticky balls of glutinous rice are symbolic of family unity.
Family Days at the Crow is a celebration of family, fun, and culture. Family Days are scheduled on the first Saturday of each month and will feature different aspects of Asian culture. Children of all ages are invited to attend with their parents.
The Crow Collection of Asian Art is located at 2010 Flora Street in the heart of the Dallas Arts District. The museum, dedicated to the arts and cultures of China, Japan, India and Southeast Asia, is open Tuesdays-Sundays from 10 AM to 5 PM with extended hours on Thursdays until 9 p.m. Closed Mondays. Admission is free.
