b'CULTURE Year of the RatThe Year of the Rat is a time for new beginnings, andTHERATISTHEFIRSTSIGNOFTHE theres no better way to bring in a prosperous 202012-ANIMALCYCLEintheChinesezodiac, than enjoying the Lunar New Year celebrations inanditmarksaperiodofrenewalandnew beginnings.multicultural Parramatta.In Chinese culture, The Rat is yang, or the WORDS Nick NicholsPHOTOS Various active principle in the universean upward moving energy. The Rat represents the dawn of a new day and has long been regarded as a symbol of wealth and surplus.Centenary Square in the heart of Parramatta istheplacetoringinanotherbigyearof prosperitythisJanuary24withsumptuous food, colour and celebrations as part of the two-week Lunar New Year festivities.Theprogramwillincludetraditionaland contemporaryculturalperformancesfrom China, Vietnam and South Korea.Therearealsointeractiveexperiencesand workshops in Lunar Land where you can try your hand at calligraphy, lantern making and cooking classes.Thefreeeventisfamily-friendly,featuring fabulous street food from across Asia, roaming performers, a Lantern Garden installation, a firecracker display and a fireworks finale at 9pm.If you want to take it easy, theres also the chill zone of the Lunar Lounge where you can enjoy a refreshing cocktail.Dragonandliondancesareanimportant part of any Lunar New Year celebration, and theyre sure to make some welcome noise for The Rat. Beating drums and clashing cymbals are said to ward off evil and bring in the new year with energetic dance performances that bring together art, history and kung- fu moves.TheYearofTheRatcomesearlyin2020, aligning perfectly with the end of the school holidays, so it promises to be an evening of fun and excitement for the whole family.URBANDRIVER23'