This upcoming week, millions around the world will celebrate the end of the Year of the Rooster and the beginning of the Year of the Dog with the commemoration of Lunar New Year on Feb. 16. This holiday, very important in many Asian countries, including China and Japan, marks the end of one cycle of the moon and the beginning of a new cycle. One of the world’s most celebrated festivals, the Lunar New Year typically starts between January to mid-February and continues for many days after. Here at Hamilton, the Asian Student Association (ASA) will also be hosting an event this year to mark this holiday. Though traditions and celebrations vary from family to family and country to country, one of the common themes of all Lunar New Year celebrations is the honoring of family and one’s ancestors. Perhaps one of the most important traditions of Lunar New Year is a large family meal, in which families are given the opportunity to sit together and enjoy large meals composed of traditional dishes such as dumplings or chicken. Another favorite celebration includes dragon and lion dances, which feature a team of dancers manipulating a large dragon or lion figure using poles.These dances are often performed in public spaces in China, and are designed to bring good luck and fortune. Other nations celebrating the holiday, such as Korea and Japan, also have their own versions of these dances.

Additionally, the color red, a symbol of good fortune in many Asian countries, plays a major role in the festivities. In honor of the holiday, many people decorate their windows and doors with red. The exchange of red envelopes, containing money and gifts, is also very popular, as are fireworks.

In past years, the Hamilton College Asian Student Association has celebrated the Lunar New Year with several activities, such as making red envelopes or paper lanterns. This year, the group plans to screen the beloved Disney film

Mulan

, which first debuted in 1998.

Mulan

was chosen because the ASA wanted a movie that was “popular, inspiring, and something we know people will enjoy,” according to Jonathan Dong ’21, Community Chair of ASA. In addition, the celebration will include an “abundance” of Chinese food, including a number of traditional Asian dishes, known as “lucky foods,” which are served on this holiday.

This year, the Asian Student Association will host its Lunar New Year celebration on Friday, Feb. 23 in the Annex, one week after the true start of the Lunar New Year due to FebFest conflicts. The event will run from 6 PM through 8 PM. Ultimately, the holiday holds a “dear place” in his heart, says Dong, because it “drives people to come together and celebrate in honor of family, prosperity, fortune, and overall happiness.

[The ASA] wants to use this event to bring everyone together and celebrate the community found on campus.”

Asian Student Association Executive Board Members:

Amanda Kim, Discussion Chair

Kavya Crasta, Programing Director

Jonathan Dong, Community Chair