Chinese New Year kicks off Thursday

It may not sound too auspicious, but the Year of the Rat begins Thursday, and according to Chinese astrology, that's not such a bad thing.

People born in the Year of the Rat are known for their quick wit, good taste and charm. The wiley rodent is a symbol of good luck and significant brain power. The Year of the Rat is traditionally associated with prosperity, which may be a good thing, considering recent economic forecasts. So maybe it's better to picture the charming gourmet chef rat, Remy, from the Disney animated film, "Ratatouille," as the poster rodent of the lunar year ahead.

The Lunar New Year, observed over much of Asia, begins Thursday. It traditionally is observed with weeks of feasting, parties and parades, all of them linked to best wishes and hopes for the coming year that celebrate the characteristics associated with the astrological animal whose turn to be feted comes around every 12 years. Corvallis residents are noting the Year of the Rat at a number of scheduled events:

* Feb. 8 through Feb. 13, the arrival of Year of the Rat will be celebrated at the Corvallis Multicultural Literacy Center, 128 S.W. Ninth Street. The event includes an art exhibition from the Hua Hua Fun Language and Art Studio and the Corvallis Chinese School. The exhibit will feature the variety of Chinese painting as well as Chinese painted "Earth Bags," which give old bags a new look. A reception is scheduled at the center Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon.

It will include a dance performance by Eastwest Dance Creation at 11 a.m.

* From 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, the public is invited to Montage Oriental Medicine, where staff members celebrate the Year of the Rat as it signifies people working toward a healthy, long life through prevention and maintenance of their personal wellbeing. Light fare, a raffle and a taiji demonstration are planned. Montage Oriental Medicine is located next to The Broken Yoke's back door in the alley between Second and Third St. For more information call 231-6558

Sunday, Feb. 10, two Oregon State events will commemorate this Chinese holiday season:

* At 1:30 p.m., the LaSells Stewart Center will host the Cantonese Opera Troupe of the Hong Kong Baptist University Alumni Association of Southern California. The free performance will include scenes from three traditional Cantonese operas: "The Engagement Sword," "Dream of the Dead Lover" and "Submerging the Golden Temple" from "The Legend of the White Snake." The performance will be narrated in both Chinese and English.

* "China Night 2008" is scheduled from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10, at the LaSells Stewart Center at OSU. Tickets are $7. Featured events: Lion Dancers from Portland; Kung Fu acrobats from San Francisco, a presentation by the Chinese School of Corvallis, complementary Chinese Food, the announcement of China Day by Corvallis Mayor Charlie Tomlinson and well wishes from Consul Yao. Tickets can be purchased at Student Leadership and Involvement information desk in 149 Snell Hall.

Famous rats

Scabbers: Harry Potter

Rat in the Hat: Bananas in Pajamas

Ratty: Wind in the Willows

Templeton: Charlotte's Web

Ben: Willard

Rizzo: Muppets

Remy: Ratatouille

Reepicheep: Chronicles of Narnia

People born in the Year of the Rat (www.asiaflash.com)

Louis Armstrong

Charlotte Bronte

Richard Nixon

William Shakespeare

Al Gore

Truman Capote

Olivia Newton John

- Various Web sources