Mike Parson, governor of U.S. state of Missouri, and his cabinet members hosted celebrations for the Chinese Lunar New Year on Monday evening at the state capital Jefferson City, with dozens of Chinese community people attending.

The main event was to put a Chinese couplet on the governor's office doorway at the Missouri State Capitol. Columbia Chinese Language School's principal Du Wei, who provided the couplet from one of his teachers, explained the meaning of the couplet hanging on the two sides of the office door.

"Basically, a couplet means good fortune and good luck all through the year," said Du.

He asked Parson and Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe to stick two banners, each with a Chinese character "Fu", on the door, explaining that it means happiness and blessing in Chinese.

Between the events, a traditional lion dance was performed by students from the St. Louis Chinese Language School, and a musical performance by students from the Columbia Chinese Language School.

"I truly appreciate how the Asian American community has come from across the state to Jefferson City to celebrate the Lunar New Year in the Missouri State Capitol. We're excited to have this opportunity to share the diversity and cultural traditions of all Missouri," Parson said. "Rest assured that we will continue to lead the state with a noble vision and an open heart. Now it's time to hang that banners," Parson said.

After that, Parson asked the students to visit his governor's office and had group photos with them. 

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