Celebrating Lunar New Year

On February 2, 2022, the Asian and Pacific Islander Club (APIC) at Vanguard University celebrated Lunar New Year, an important holiday in many Asian cultures.

“The purpose of celebrating Lunar New Year is to reflect on the past year while also welcoming the new possibilities of the upcoming year,” Hannah Akamine, APIC President states. “Lunar New Year means a fresh start.”

After a tumultuous 2021 year, the celebration is much needed. The New Years celebration not only allows for new beginnings, but also gives people the ability to enjoy Asian traditions involving food and festivities.

Photo by Theresa Nguyen

Signifying good fortune and prosperity, Lunar New Year is a time for families and friends to ring in the New Year with an array of food and festivities. APIC brought the age-old tradition of Lunar New Year festivals to Vanguard’s campus with a celebration in the Towers Lobby.

Activities included making paper lanterns, giving red envelopes and most importantly, enjoying a variety of Asian cuisine– all of which have deep cultural significance. “Creating paper lanterns honors our ancestors and welcomes in peace, prosperity, and reconciliation for the new year,” Akamine states. “The noodles at the celebration symbolize longevity, and tea is for happiness and hope.”

Lunar New Years serves as a slice of familiarity for the Asian community on campus, as well as an opportunity for students to immerse themselves into other cultures.

“My favorite part of the event would definitely have to be the dumplings and the conversations that followed,” one attendee states. “Having informative conversations about Asian-American culture was an extremely enriching experience.”

Akamine says that Lunar New Year is a fun and interesting way for people to get educated on Asian culture. Being able to experience authentic festivities alongside one another fosters a sense of unity— a bridge between cultures.

Learn more about Lunar New Year and APIC on Instagram @apicvu.