CASCADE, Mich. — February 19th is the start of the new year in the Chinese calendar, and at least one West Michigan restaurant is celebrating.
First Wok, located at 6740 Old 28th St. SE in Cascade, presented a spread of traditional foods and cards with well wishes in their establishment, wishing all who dined a happy Year of the Sheep.
The Chinese zodiac features 12 animals and rotates annually. The belief is that children born in the year of a certain animal will have the traits connected to that species. Sheep are known as polite people and are often worriers in the Chinese culture.
The celebration of the new year lasts seven days.
Owner Lien Yu says the restaurant spends time cleaning in preparation, a symbolic process of disposing of all of last year’s hardships and starting anew.
First Wok Restaurant has three locations including Alpine Ave NW, 44th Street SE and Old 28th St., SE in Cascade.
