Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, happened to fall on Jan. 22 this year. Usually celebrated for 15 days in a row, this holiday occurs on the first day of the first month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar. 

Ranging from lion and dragon dances to red envelopes filled with money, these celebrations are embraced by students and staff alike at RM, who all have something to share about this important holiday.

“The origin of all these celebrations can be traced back to the legend of a beast called Nian,” freshman Jessica Yao said. “Nian would come out every New Year’s Eve and cause havoc by eating people and animals. But one New Year’s Eve, an old man came into the village full of fleeing people and asked to stay at his granny’s house.

“He decorated the whole house in red papers and couplets and readied some firecrackers. So when Nian came that night, it was scared by the abundance of red and loud noises of the firecrackers and fled. The villagers all rejoiced the next day, and this tale soon spread throughout all the villages.”

Since then, it has been a custom to dress in traditional red Chinese clothing such as qipaos and hang up spring couplets that express good luck and fortune. People can also often be seen setting off firecrackers and replacing old items with new ones to wave away the past year and welcome a new start.

Another aspect of the Chinese New Year is the 12 year zodiac cycle, where each year is represented by a different animal. “Each animal has a own personality, that predicts how the year will go,” Chinese teacher Ms. Margaret Poo said.

The Year of the Tiger in 2022 was believed to symbolize strength and perseverance through rough times, as tigers embody courage and bravery. This year, 2023, is represented by the rabbit, which is expected to bring hope and prosperity. 

RM holds a Lunar New Year banquet each year, where students gather together and celebrate Chinese culture. Such celebrations are common throughout the community as well.

“Growing up, I would always watch these festival galas with cool performances, like lion dances, dragon dances, martial arts, things like that. They bring prosperity and good fortune to all,” sophomore Daniel Yi said.

He also shared his experience with the tradition of older people giving red envelopes to children.

“Older relatives usually give young children red envelopes full of money to wish them good luck in the new year, and in return, children wish them longevity and prosperity,” Yi said. “I remember always being super excited to get one.”

Food is also an important part of celebrating the Chinese New Year, although the food eaten varies depending on local customs. 

“At home, my family gathers together at dinner and we eat foods like rice cakes, dumplings, oranges, and fish,” freshman Jackson Lou said. “The Chinese New Year symbolizes a fresh start of the new year. New year, new me.”

Overall, celebrating the Chinese New Year is not only a physical celebration, but also a meaningful occasion for many. 

“I think that this time of year is a way to express your gratitude and love for those around you,” freshman Chelsea Zhu said. “I often think about family conversations during car rides, or sharing orange slices with my mom. To me, the Chinese New Year is not just about the physical actions of decorating and celebrating, but also remembering everything I cherish and am happy to celebrate.”