Lunar New Year 2025
Year of the Snake
Each year many Asian cultures celebrate the Lunar New Year, based on the Chinese lunar calendar, with festivities lasting over 2 weeks. It is also known as the Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival. Marking a time of birth and renewal, it is also a time to honor one's ancestors. Each year features a different animal of the Chinese zodiac of 12 animals. Wednesday, January 29 marks the start of the Year of the Wood Snake. Each year Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi
hosts events over the course of a month to help usher in the Lunar New Year.
Events are in-person this year; but new students can try out our online class for free. Just contact us.
The events are designed for the general public and do not require any previous
experience. These events are popular, so be sure to register before all spots are taken.
We recommend that you arrive 10 to 15 minutes
early to in-person events to settle in and about 5 minutes before online events so that you can check your computer settings before the presentation.
*We will have a small silent auction that you can view in person.
Thank you to everyone who helped us raise money in 2024 for the Alzheimer's Association and The Rollin' Grizzlies basketball team. We raised over $10,000! ($7,387 to the Alzheimer's Association and $3,000 for The Rollin' Grizzlies!) Jing Ying also donated to the Severna Park Community Center, Bello Machre,The Bernie House, SPAN, local schools, and more.
Sunday, January 26
Chinese Calligraphy workshop (2:00pm-4:00pm) - Learn basic brush strokes and characters from Chinese Calligraphy. We will focus on auspicious characters for the Chinese New Year, so you can create something to display at home. We supply paper, ink and brushes for use during class.
Presented by Wendy Ng. Fee: $8 to cover cost of supplies. You must pre-pay to hold your spot.
Register here.
Tuesday, January 28
Annual Cleaning Celebration (5:00-6:30pm) - Before the Lunar New Year starts, it is important to clean your home in preparation for the new year. You symbolically clean away any bad luck left over from the previous year and make room for good luck coming in for the new year. We do the same at our Jing Ying facility, which is like home to us. We will dust off the trophies, sweep & mop the floors, clean the mirrors....and while cleaning look for the toy snake that Shimu Nancy has hidden away for the lucky cleaner to find (they get to keep the snake and win a prize too). Afterwards there will be some traditional Lunar New Year treats (provided by Jing Ying). Students are welcome to bring any other treats and refreshments to share. This event is for students, their family, and friends of Jing Ying. Come help your school get ready for the new year. Registration is on the MyStudio app or at Jing Ying. On this day, we'll have a special All Levels Kung Fu class after the cleaning. Everyone can train together!
Register here.
Wednesday, February 5
FREE Introductory Family Kung Fu Class (4:45 to 5:30 pm) Suitable for children ages 5 to 10, this class is an
introductory lesson in Kung Fu. A parent/guardian and older siblings are welcome to join the class. Please arrive 5 to 10 minutes early to check in. Pre-registration is required so we can control class size. Kids will learn a few Chinese Lion Dance moves. There alsowill be a Year of the Snake craft and traditional Lunar New Year treats to try. Please register in advance so we have enough supplies.
There will be several giveaways and contests to add to the fun.
Register here.
Sunday, February 9
Tea Tasting (2:00pm to 3:30pm) - Looking for something fun and interesting to do? Join us for an informative workshop presented by Lynayn Mielke, a tea professional with Level IV Certification from the Specialty Tea Institute. You'll try several teas, learn about their proper preparation, and gain knowledge about their health benefits.
Each person will receive a porcelain tasting cup that they get to take home. To celebrate the Year of the Dragon, the cup has a dragon embossed on it.
There also will be tea available to purchase after the in-person workshop. You can also order online any of the sampled teas in larger sizes afterwards as well as any other teas Lynayn has available.
Lynayn is a fun and engaging speaker, and you will walk away from the event knowing more about tea than you ever thought possible. Did you know that it is the most widely consumed beverage in the world? That there are more than 3,000 varieties of the tea bush (cameillia sinensis) and that herbal "teas" aren't actually tea? Lynayn will also be doing a mini tea meditation and discussing its importance for wellbeing on a body and spirit level. Join us to find out so much more during this fun event. We've designated @90 minutes, but Lynayn is willing to stay longer to ask questions.
REGISTRATION & PAYMENT
Pay by 2/2: $25 (includes tea AND gift)*
Pay after 2/2: $35
Register here.
*plus credit card processing fee.
Friday, February 14
Free Valentine's Day Tai Chi Class (10:30am to 11:30am) -
Join us for our Friday morning tai chi at Jing Ying. We will celebrate Valentine's Day with tai chi movement and also information on how tai chi helps your cardiovascular health in celebration of Heart Health month. Show someone you love and care for them by bringing them with you to class! It is suitable for all levels of fitness.
Wear clothing that allows for movement, such as a t-shirt and sweatpant.
Register here.
Friday, February 14
Free Valentine's Day Kung Fu Class (12:30pm to 1:15pm) - Join us for our Friday kung fu class for homeschoolers at Jing Ying. We will celebrate Valentine's Day by ending the class with some sweet treats.
Wear clothing that allows for movement, such as a t-shirt and sweatpant Class is appropriate for beginners and open to ages 5 to adult.
Register here.
Silent Auction - We are hosting a small silent auction that will run until the end of February. Proceeds will go to the Alzheimer's Association.
