Chinese New Year: Year of the Rat

The lunar calendar unleashes the year of the Rat on February 7th and Las Vegas restaurants and casinos are taking part in the action. The 15-day celebration is one of the city's biggest events, drawing thousands of Asian and Asian-American visitors each year.

The Rat is the first of twelve animals associated with the Chinese calendar. According to legend, the animals raced across a river to determine their order in the cycle. The rat crossed by riding on the back of the ox, jumping a head at the last minute to win the race.

Chinse New Year revolves around luck, which is why many Asians try their hand at gambling. Casinos display gigantic banners with New Year's greetings in Chinese, welcoming Asian visitors. Additional baccarat and pai gow poker tables are also added, two games favored by Asian gamblers, to accomodate the influx of people.

Asian restaurants on the strip, such as Chinois, the Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace, stay open longer and add traditional New Year's dishes or rename some regular ones, with lucky or upbeat words.

At the Bellagio, the theme of the 14,000 square-foot Conservatory is changed only five times a year, and Chinese New Year is one of those times. This year The Conservatory's design will be guided by the ancient practice of Feng-Shui- the art of using surroundings to attract harmony, balance, and positive life energy.

Perched atop an oversized, flowering branch, a botanical, 5-foot-tall rodent will watch guests with an inquisitive eye. Just steps away from Bellagio's delightful rodent ambassador, an 18-foot-tall Chinese God of Wealth and Fortune will be found amidst gleaming I-Ching coins, a traditional Chinese money symbol.

On February 7th Las Vegas' Chinatown Plaza will host an all day celebration featuring authentic Asian food and entertainment. For more information on local Chinese New Year events, call 702-221-8448.