Groups on campus are getting ready to bring some of their culture to MSU students by throwing festivities for the Chinese New Year, which begins today.

Historically, the event is marked with 15 days of celebration throughout Asia.

"The first night is a lot like Thanksgiving in America," said Mark Wong, president of the Singapore Student Association. "It's about getting together with family and eating a large dinner."

The association is going to celebrate the new year by having its own dinner today. During the meal, students will exchange tangerines as part of a new year tradition. The tangerines symbolize good wishes for the new year and are supposed to bring luck, Wong said.

Other student groups will hold separate celebrations.

The Chinese Students Coalition will sponsor its annual "Lunar Dance" on Saturday.

The event is semi-formal and will feature traditional Chinese music. There also will be a raffle for small, red-wrapped mystery prizes. The prizes represent the red packages of money traditionally given to children by their parents, or between friends, during the holiday.

"Red is a auspicious color in Chinese tradition and is supposed to bring prosperity in the new year," coalition President James Cheong said.

The Chinese Students and Scholars Association will sponsor the "Spring Festival Gala" on Feb. 19 to commemorate the end of the 15-day celebration.

In Asia, the celebration ends in a "Lantern Festival," Cheong said.

Association President Weilun Hu said traditional Chinese lanterns are hard to get in the United States.

During the festival, people place lit lanterns into small wooden boats, along with coins. The boats are placed into a river and carry the coins symbolically to their ancestors.

Hu said some of the planned activities include Chinese folk singers and traditional costume show. The event will feature Chinese food and is free for all MSU students.