This year marks the first year New York State public schools will close for the Lunar New Year Festival. The district decided to implement this day of observance into the schedule in 2023 but considering that the holiday fell on a weekend last year, this is the first time local families are given the chance to celebrate.
The holiday, also known as Chinese New Year, is frequently celebrated by Asian Americans across the country. This time values honoring ancestors, reflecting on our past year, and preparing for the year ahead. It is a time for families to gather and enjoy each other’s company.
There are many traditions associated with Chinese New Year. For example, it is customary to hang couplets, specifically to hang the 福 (fú) character, meaning blessing and happiness, upside down for good fortune.
Traditionally, red envelopes are filled with money. “The red envelopes are a symbol of good luck. The envelopes are given by the married to the unmarried, typically being children” notes Chinese club co-president, Griffin Morgan (’25).
As there are many customs on New Year’s Day, there are also many traditions to be done in preparation like organizing.
For Chinese New Year, cleaning symbolizes clearing away bad luck and making room for good fortune in the year ahead. To prepare for the new year, one must clean their homes and get a haircut beforehand.
Lunar New Year has been a vital part of Mamaroneck schools beginning in Hommocks where students enrolled in Chinese to learn about Chinese dances (Dragon/Lion dances) and making lanterns. “When Chinese New Year comes around, we have always celebrated by doing special activities…My favorite tradition was in 7th grade where we learned the origin behind the animal system being based on a race,” says Andrew Arena (’27), a member of Mamaroneck’s Chinese Club.
The origin of the zodiacs is traced back to ancient legends. The most popular being the story of the “Great Race.” The legend entails an emperor holding a race for all the animals in the kingdom, the first 12 animals to cross the finish line would be honored a zodiac. The 6th animal to finish was the Snake.
The upcoming year is the Year of the Snake. While in Western cultures, the snake is often associated with evil and death, in Chinese tradition, the snake symbolizes cleverness, wisdom and promotes wealth.
According to the legend, the Snake hid in the Horse’s mane during the race. Just as the Horse was about to cross the finish line, the snake slithered out and beat the Horse, claiming the 6th year of the zodiacs.
Alongside these historical traditions, food plays an important part in the celebrations. “Dumplings represent an abundance of riches due to its resemblance to the ancient Chinese currency” says Chinese teacher Michelle Liu. The Chinese also serve 鱼 (yú, “fish”), but rather than finishing the entire dish, they leave a portion behind, as the word 鱼 (yú) sounds like 余 (yú), meaning surplus, symbolizing a wish of prosperity in the coming year.
At MHS, the Chinese Club has made and placed lanterns around the overpass. The lanterns were designed by different students, showcasing their unique personalities, a central message of the Lunar New Year. “We hung lanterns, couplets and a banner around the school, with good wishes and statements,” said Chinese club co-president, Jeremy Weiner (’25).
Chinese Club Presidents Griffin and Jeremy hope Mamaroneck continues implementing the traditions of the Lunar New Year into our school.
Their passion for Chinese culture has led to visits to senior homes, lantern making & hanging. In addition to their achievements, the Chinese Club aims to continue educating MHS about the Lunar New Year.
The club’s presidents hope one day to host a Lunar New Year assembly, organize a dragon dance, and continue the tradition of visiting senior citizens to share the holiday’s traditions.
By incorporating the Lunar New Year into the school calendar & classrooms, Mamaroneck sends a strong message: our differences are something to celebrate and cherish.
