IJSBA is proud to be an organization of numerous nations, cultures, and identities.  At every event, our global community seems to get both larger and closer together.  Sharing special occasions and other milestones are wonderful celebrations of who we are as a group.

IJSBA is preparing to make new announcements for exciting developments in China, Vietnam, Indonesia, and other parts of Asia.  As we ready news for an exciting 2018 season, we take a moment to join the welcoming of the Lunar New Year, as celebrated by much of the IJSBA Family.  Jettribe, our regular contributor and partner in many Asian events, has sent us this description of today's celebration:

Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in South East Asia. Lunar New Year, also known as Tet, or Chinese New Year, is the longest public holiday, with a history of over 4000 years!

 

In 2018, Chinese New Year begins on February 16 and marks the beginning of the Year of the Dog. Tied to the Chinese lunar calendar, the holiday was traditionally a time to honor household and heavenly deities. One of the best known traditions include the "lai see". Red money envelopes, as a gesture of good luck and well wishes, are given to the younger generation in exchange for wishes of good health and prosperity.

 

During the Chinese New Year period, most businesses in Asia are closed for weeks. And people tend not travel for vacation.  It is difficult for us Westerners to fully grasp the importance of this holiday, it is like Christmas, Quanza, New Year's Eve, the Fourth of of July, and your birthday combined! 

 

For the 2018 Lunar New Year, the Year of the Dog, have a safe riding season!