A glittering red dragon with big eyes and glistening teeth danced through HUB Alumni Hall last night to welcome the New Year and the 200 people that came to celebrate.

"This is the year of the rooster," said John Yen, supervisor of the Taiwanese Student Association.

"It reminds us of the morning; it brings energy and life. And I wish this energy for all of you in the upcoming year. Happy New Year!" he said.

The Taiwanese Student Association (TSA) and the Taiwanese American Student Association (TASA) brought this energy to Penn State three days before the official Chinese Lunar New Year with a magic show, martial arts, skits and karaoke.

"It's a privilege to work with such dedicated students to bring culture and beauty to Penn State," International Student Services Director Negar Davis said.

Before the activities began, the guests lined up for a buffet-style feast of traditional cuisine.

Peking duck, stir-fried chayote squash, shrimp and sticky rice were among the 15 dishes donated by various local Chinese restaurants.

Boba tea was also served with the dinner.

The sweet drink, made with pearl-sized tapioca and taro cream powder, originated in Taiwan 17 years ago. According to TSA President David Lai, the drink has become trendy throughout Asia.

Students from the local Chinese school performed The Tortoise and the Hare and The Bee Dance for the guests while they enjoyed the meal.

"The Chinese school is organized by parents and families," Chinese school instructor Lie-Ken Lee said.

"We get the children together on Saturday afternoons and teach them how to read and write Chinese characters to preserve the culture," Lee added.

After the lessons, the children engage in an hour of "activities."

Lee said the children have spent this time for the past month practicing for their presentation.

While the children changed costumes for their next performance, TSA held a raffle.

"It is tradition on New Years for the seniors to give the unmarried children in the family red envelopes filled with money," Lai said. "We are continuing this tradition with the raffle."

Lai said that although Taiwan split from the mainland of China 50 years ago, the original culture is preserved.

Po Liu (senior- international business and management science and information systems), a member of TASA, greeted the guests while dressed as the traditional god of prosperity.

"In the beginning of each year, we honor the god with food and fruits in hopes of future prosperity," Liu said.

The associations jointly have hosted the event for years.

Lai said TSA was the largest student organization on campus before 1990.

Recently the Chinese Student Association surpassed TSA in the number of members.