Kasira Vang's Year of the Fire Rooster

My paternal great-grandfather, Meilin, was the first in our family to be born on American soil. He was born on January 22, 1909, which was the first day of the Year of the Earth Rooster according to the Chinese calendar.

Apparently my great-great grandparents and the other Chinese residents of Hidden Rock celebrated the holiday by setting off fireworks over the Stitchwort River. At this time, the Chinese population was segregated, occupying their own “China town” to the south of the official Hidden Rock town limits. The loud noises and colorful explosions over the river apparently spooked some of the white residents of Hidden Rock and a posse of men was formed to investigate. Before they knew what was happening, the Chinese found their celebration interrupted by heavily-armed intruders on horseback. Tragedy might have easily resulted, but instead my great-great grandfather (who spoke excellent English) invited the trespassers to join the party. The guns were holstered and the festivities resumed, with everyone growing fat and sleepy off sweet rice balls and home-brewed spirits. Meilin was born in the very early hours of the New Year.

If you believe this story, which my father claims is absolutely true despite the complete lack of proof, then January 22, 1909, was the first day real prosperity came to the Chinese residents of Hidden Rock because all those white guys returned home with tales of the kick-ass party they’d enjoyed with the Chinese. Suddenly, there was an interest in Chinese food, Chinese fireworks and Chinese liquor. Meilin went on to become a very successful businessman, establishing the first Chinese restaurant in town in 1942 — Dragon of the Jade Pool — which my parents still operate today. (Apparently he made even more money in more sketchy businesses, but Mom and Dad don’t like to talk about that.

If you follow Chinese astrology, then one of the reasons Meilin went on to be so rich is because he was born during a Rooster Year. People born under the Earth Rooster sign are supposed to be practical, thoughtful, patient and largely uncompromising. Meilin died before I was born, but the stories of his personality paint a man who really knew what he wanted and didn’t take no for an answer.

But 2017 is the Year of the Fire Rooster, which means we can expect something very different than what they got 108 years ago. As the name indicates, fire years are unpredictable, often turbulent. For many, the next year may be filled with trouble and heart-break, but don’t let that get you down because astrology is an inexact science. My suggestion is to start it out right and then hope for the best.

If you want to celebrate in traditional Chinese fashion, the first thing you have to do is tidy up your living space. Then hang lots of bright red decorations around your home and put out fresh fruit and flowers. Chinese New Years is also a time to remember your ancestors and appreciate your friends and family. You should avoid quarrels and interact with others in a positive way. Very often, Chinese people spread good will by offering gifts of money to the poor or sharing food. Our family restaurants have always offered free meals as an example, but you can do your own thing by inviting in friends, family and neighbors and treating them to dumplings, lots of fish and a traditional liquor called daikon. My favorite dish to eat during New Years is Shui Chu Fish (picture below), which is a white fish boiled in a very spicy broth and garnished with peppercorn, chili and spring onions. It's delicious and the red color and spiciness is perfect for the Year of the Fire Rooster!