The Jade Times

By: Stephenie “Remedi” Lai, Staff Writer

According to Chinese Zodiac, 2012 brings the Year of the Dragon. More specifically, the Water Dragon.

The Water Dragon is expected to give the Chinese Five Blessings – harmony, virtue, riches, fulfillment and longevity.

The Dragon is the fifth sign of the Chinese Zodiac, a sign of good fortune and intense power. Those born in the year of the Dragon are known to be fearless leaders and innovators.

The element of water can soothe the Dragon’s temper, enabling them to make decisions without ego. Since 2012 is the Year of the Water Dragon, you can expect this year to be more balanced between the extremes of achievements and disasters. The Year of the Water Dragon is believed to bring more successes than failures.

Read below to find your Zodiac forecast for the Year of the Dragon. (Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/)

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Prepare to make interesting and life-altering changes. The limitations of the past are lifting, and it’s vital that you position yourself strategically to take advantage of opportunities that arise. It’s what you do during the first half of the year that will determine the end results. A new job, a higher earning potential and love are all highlighted during the second half of the year.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): As the year progresses, you will find it increasingly easier to fix any mistakes or situations that were problematic. The effective use of your networking skills during the first half of the year will pay off in terms of experience and knowledge you accumulate. Don’t be afraid to use a little muscle to get what you want. Accept the inevitable and you can make it work to your advantage.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Don’t be slowed down by the little aggravations that challenge you. Discipline and hard work will bring greater rewards, peace of mind and sweet revenge. Love is highlighted, along with expanding your plans for the future. Nothing is impossible if you express your goals knowledgeably and implement them with moderation. Success will be the result if you allow your imagination to be the conduit for your willpower.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): You will have to exert your will if you want to get things accomplished. Put a little extra muscle behind your every move and you will make a convincing argument that will help raise the support you need to achieve your goals. Change will be inevitable, and the sooner you accept and move on, the easier it will be to get your own plans up and running. Live life and be a participant, not a spectator.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Your thirst for knowledge and lifestyle change will lead you in a new direction. Reinventing who you are and what you do will bring you up to date and put you where the action is. Helping others will expand your interests as well as your friendships. Greater stability will come from chaos, followed by transformation. Expect the unexpected and accept the inevitable. You will master moderate extremism.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Consider what you have to accomplish and stick to your game plan. As the year progresses, you will be tempted to take on unrealistic ventures that could end up costing you emotionally, financially or physically. Use your creativity wisely and keep what you do simple, moderate and perfectly balanced. Focus your energy on work and family to ensure that both are protected from outside influences.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Your insight and hard work will start to pay off. What you have learned from experience will pave the way to your success. The tables are turning, and you will finally get your chance to explore the benefits of being the flavour of choice. Prepare to pursue those long-awaited changes with fervour. Fear of failure is the enemy; bravery is your friend.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Don’t be fooled by what others do or say. Your intuition is kicking in, and you must follow your gut when it comes to personal decisions that can affect your lifestyle and financial investments. It’s your turn to call the shots and to put pressure on those you feel owe you. A strong alliance with an old friend or partner will make your goals easier to obtain.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Be careful what you wish for. Change can be a two-way street. Confusion is likely to lead you down the wrong path. Talk to a trusted friend before you make a move you cannot reverse. Excessive behaviour and financial, physical or emotional temptation will be your downfall. Bide your time, observe, listen to good advice and make the smart choice. Patience will be your saving grace.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Take stock of your assets and liabilities so you can add the finishing touches that will bring your situation greater stability. Being responsible and using unique methods will grab attention and make an impression that leads to success. Do your due diligence during the first half of the year, and once everything is in place, you will be able to coast along and enjoy the ride.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Prepare to reassess, review and redo. A serious look at your past, present and future will help you put your life in perspective and set realistic goals. You will advance quickly once your direction is clear. New beginnings and projects will confirm that you are on the right track. Greater success will unfold as you take advantage of the opportunities that are offered to you.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Work and personal partnerships must be looked at carefully. Consider what you give and what you get back from the people you deal with daily. Cut your emotional, physical and financial losses in order to move on to more rewarding times. Too much of anything will work against you. Find ways to get the most for the least. You must put your own needs first.

Photo credit: http://www.draconian.com/

By Gaoli “Chamomile” Moua, Staff Writer and Copy Editor

Although globalization has carried Western ideas of dating further East, dating is still not to be taken lightly in traditional Asian cultures.

Asian-American parents are aware of prevalent “dinner and a movie” dates, but would rather have their children stick to traditional Asian dating practices.

“My dad says I can’t date until I get married,” University of Georgia alumna and client support manager Diana Chanthaboury said. Chanthaboury comes from a traditional Laotian home.

Dating is a family affair across Asian cultures.

Georgia State University alumna Wen “Selene” Guo said, “In Fujianese tradition, women are often introduced to eligible men through their parents’ mutual contacts and are expected to be married [between 22-24]. The parents of the eligible singles often [screen] the other person before deciding if they should start contacting one another.”

Relationships that lack the approval of elders often end because men and women are only supposed to date with the intent of marrying.

Whether dates occur with the blessing of parents or not, group or chaperoned dates are encouraged. Loyola University student and elementary education major Tiffany Yi said, “When a [Korean] girl goes on a date with a new guy, she almost always brings a close friend.”

Couples are expected to avoid public displays of affection, like holding hands, kissing or simply gazing lovingly into each others’ eyes. This is apparent in popular Asian dramas where the female counterpart often rejects affection (see “My Sassy Girl”).

“I remember my parents making remarks when my cousin was resting her head on her husband’s shoulder,” Guo said. “[My parents] think that they shouldn’t do that in public.”

Being seen in public together is often enough for a man and woman to be recognized as a couple.

Guo said her parents have mistaken many of the men in pictures with her as significant others.

The children of mixed ethnicities do not escape cultural dating rules.

Pamela “Heiress” Pettus, a financial planning major at UGA who is part Thai, isn’t very familiar with Thai traditions, but she has noticed that her older cousins in Thailand “don’t date around or anything in the way that we do here.”

Pettus’ mom is not particular with the men she chooses to date, though she reminds her to keep education top priority.

Photo credit: My Sassy Girl

By Alexandria “Wisteria” Prejido, Staff Writer

According to the Chinese zodiac, 2011 is the year of the rabbit. The rabbit is the fourth sign of the Chinese zodiac and can also be referred to as the hare. This sign is associated with longevity and the moon, and some astrologers identify this sign as the cat instead of the rabbit. People born under this sign are more introverted and would rather work behind the scenes instead of being the center of attention. However, it does not mean the rabbit is reclusive; this sign is a friendly individual and enjoys the company of friends no matter the occasion.

Some of the rabbits’ positive traits are they are diplomatic, intuitive, expressive, peaceful and refined. Some of the negative traits are they are indecisive, egotistical, conservative, gossipy, superficial and pedantic. The behavior of the rabbit can be often predictable, for it varies according to the situation. During tranquil times, rabbit people are at ease and calm. However, during times of sudden change and unforeseen events, rabbits become irritable, confused and sometimes aggressive. Rabbit people will not be pleasant until they are back in control of the situation.

Some of the rabbits’ likes are privacy, mysteries, going out, routines and conversation. Some of their dislikes are arguments, complicated plans, being forced to making a decision, drastic changes and saying anything unpleasant. Signs that would make good friends with rabbit individuals are the ox, snake, the ram/sheep, rat, dog and pig.

In love, rabbits are often wary of commitment, for it requires changes and decision. This does not mean they are fickle; but rather they are picky about choosing a partner. Rabbits would rather be single than be in an unsatisfactory relationship because they value peace. Though, once committed, this sign places a lot of effort into their relationship. They are always willing to listen and dislike arguing with their partner. Rabbits make attentive, tender and loving partners. However, sometimes it is difficult to know what rabbit partners are feeling or thinking because they prize their privacy. Rabbit partners listen more than they confide, which may prove to be a struggle to some unless they learn how to read the subtle signs. The signs most compatible with the rabbit are the pig, sheep and dog.

Sources:

http://www.chinesezodiac.com/rabbit.php

http://www.usbridalguide.com/special/chinesehoroscopes/Rabbit.htm

Photo credit:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aPAvQg0QdlA/TUlvt62FabI/AAAAAAAAJWs/TmK90lwBrFM/s400/chinese%252520new%252520year%2525202011%252520rabbit.gif

By Christine “ECKO” Ho, Contributing Writer

Exploring Korean nightlife. Photo credit: Christine "ECKO" Ho

Delta Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. is a sorority that is about sisterhood and bringing young women of different backgrounds and nationalities together. I recently went on a vacation (and am still on it at the time of writing) to both South Korea and Thailand. I have not been to South Korea since I was about five years old, so it was a bit of a culture shock when I arrived.

I am Korean, and yet I felt as if I could not function nor survive without Stella “Naru” Kim there. A fellow chapter sister, she hosted Manida “Sobe” Chinratana, Julia “AiKo” Hong and me at her apartment. Every day, we did something new in the city – shopping, karaoke, eating at different restaurants, eating street food, meeting new people, etc. In some ways, Korea is very similar to America. The part of Korea where we stayed was connected by the subway system that ran across the entire city, connecting different districts. The subway system is something I still do not understand. If you are thinking of traveling there, do your research first! But it does get easier with experience.

We saw the Korean nightlife, the shopping districts, the fish market, an old palace and many other things in Korea. I found out so much more about my own culture by being there, rather than by reading about it in books. It was fast-paced and we never ran out of things to do during my entire stay in Korea.

Thailand travels. Photo credit: Christine "ECKO" Ho

However, I think the main component to my realizations about Korea was my trip to Thailand. It is not as if I went backpacking, and I stayed at very nice resorts, but the differences between the cultures in Thailand and Korea were highlighted during my stay. Even just driving around, I have seen many different kinds of people. I have used restrooms with no toilet paper (but we carried some around, thank goodness), and drank the natural water with dire consequences (to which I am still feeling the effects). Things are less readily available in Thailand, and travel is done by cars and scooters. 7-Elevens are abundant, as is the street food.

I love where I come from and what I am. I am Korean-American, and I have experienced parts of the world that other people are not so fortunate to have experienced. Although far from the worn-traveler, I keep my experiences close to me, and hope that sharing them might make other people want to find out about other cultures, as well as embracing their own. I am lucky with my life, and wish for sisters to expand their horizons. By learning about other cultures, you will come to love your own, no matter what you are.

By Stephenie “Remedi” Lai, Staff Writer

It’s February, the shortest month of the year. But even with less time, there is much to be celebrated during these 28 days. No, I’m not talking about Valentine’s Day. I’m talking about Black History Month. It’s a month to remember where you came from and a time to embrace your heritage. This February, in conjunction with Black History Month, our own sisters take the time to reminisce on their background.

Being a part of an Asian-interest sorority, of course you would expect everyone to be Asian. However, our sisters come from all parts of the world. Even more so, there are many sisters who have mixed backgrounds, giving them even more to embrace.

UGA sisters Holly “Forté” Kamau and Jessica “Inertia” Wu described their experiences being of mixed backgrounds. Kamau is Kenyan and Vietnamese, while Wu is Taiwanese and Caucasian. When asked about what it was like to grow up with two cultures, Kamau said, “I was raised in a way that embraced all parts of me. This includes African, African-American – which is different from African – Asian and American.” At dinner, you could find food from three different cultures: Vietnamese, Kenyan and American. She believes that her upbringing was a genuine mix of cultures.

Wu’s experience growing up was quite different. She said, “I was raised more towards the American/Caucasian culture. My mother emigrated here from Taiwan, but my exposure to Asian culture was extremely limited.” When Wu entered high school, she started becoming more aware of her Asian background.

They both agreed that being apart of Delta Phi Lambda has helped them become more in touch with their Asian heritage. Not only that, but there are many cultures under the umbrella term of “Asian,” giving more opportunities to share traditions and customs with one another.

Being a sister of Delta Phi Lambda has given Kamau a “better understanding of the richness of the Asian culture as it stands on its own.” For Wu, the sorority was the gateway to understanding her heritage in the search for her cultural identity. Wu added, “The different backgrounds that exist within one sorority shows me that multiple facets of a single identity can co-exist and thrive.”

Although this month is Black History Month, it doesn’t hurt to reflect on your own identity. Like the old saying goes, you can’t know where you are going unless you know where you’ve been. Knowing your background, remembering your ancestors and loving your heritage is a big step in creating a successful and happy future for yourself.

Photo credit:

http://www.sxc.hu/

Thanksgiving Day commemorates the expression of gratitude and appreciation. For families with roots outside of the United States, adoption of this American holiday blends with cultural backgrounds and allows for a unique celebration.

Some sisters currently living aboard have decided to bring the traditions of Thanksgiving with them, though they have moved to countries that do not normally observe the holiday.

Jean “Sistine” An currently works as a representative and translator for the international affairs team at the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education in Shindorim, Seoul, South Korea. With the Thanksgiving holiday coming up, she still has plans to celebrate. “I would love to get together with sisters in Korea and celebrate [Thanksgiving] together on that day. Just like how sorority has provided a ‘home away from home’ for us [sisters], I think it’s important to support each sister who left their home to come to Korea. It will remind us of where we came from and how thankful we are to have wonderful people around us.”

Jean "Sistine" An, Jeannie "Hype" Cho, Alexane "Mirage" Do, and Hannah "Enigma" Kamau meet up in Seoul, South Korea

Growing up, An’s family would celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with a big dinner. “[Thanksgiving was] not much of an American style though, so no turkey, but lots of Korean barbeque and other meat,” An explained.

Though her family did not have the traditional Thanksgiving staples such as turkey during their meals, she was always able to get a taste during the annual Thanksgiving dinner potluck hosted by sisters at the University of Georgia Alpha Chapter and brothers from UGA Lambda Phi Epsilon, Asian-interest fraternity.

The Thanksgiving holiday reminds An of family, and this year, her expression of gratitude is focused on her parents. “My parents gave up everything in Korea to immigrate to US when I was nine years old. They saw that I could get a better opportunity in [the] US. Through their sacrifice, I was able to explore many things [like] traveling, learning different sports, playing violin & piano and even finishing college. Now that I am working in the real world, I realize how great it is to be educated I cannot thank my parents enough for giving me this wonderful opportunity.”

The idea of “family” resonated with sister Hannah “Enigma” Kamau, who is an elementary school English teacher also located in Seoul.

Usual Thanksgiving traditions in the Kamau home were a blend of different cultures. “My family was kind of different from other American families. My mom would always cook something cultural, so we would always have Vietnamese food or Kenyan food… we would always have turkey, and we would always go around the table and talk about what we were grateful for,” Kamau said.

While in Korea, Kamau also had the opportunity to celebrate Chuseok, a harvest holiday which has some similarities to Thanksgiving.

“I went to a festival at City Hall [and] was able to learn about Korean traditional music and games,” Kamau said. “What stood out to me the most was the whole idea of family. Family is central to the Chuseok holiday.”

Hannah "Enigma" Kamau celebrates with friends at the Chuseok festival

Kamau explained, “The holiday is officially only one day, but everyone gets three days off. All families travel back to the city where their family is from and spend time with the family to prepare a wonderful feast for the day. But the traditional way of celebrating Chuseok pays homage not only to the living family present, but to the past family who have made them who they are today.”

Children dressed in traditional Korean Hanbok for Chuseok

Kamau introduced the American Thanksgiving holiday to her 4th, 5th and 6th grade classes and plans to have Thanksgiving themed activities and games. In addition to the Thanksgiving activities with her class, Kamau plans to celebrate the holiday with friends. “I heard that at the army base, they sell turkeys! So I’m thinking that we will buy a turkey and celebrate… I think we will have a potluck, and probably a cultural lesson for my non-American friends. I actually hang out with a very diverse group of people, including people from Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Japan, America, as well as many Koreans. I never imagined I would meet such a diverse group of people!”

Photo credit: Hannah “Enigma” Kamau