Lunar New Year is an important holiday around the world especially for many Asians and Asian-Americans not only to honor ancestors and mark the start of the new year, but also to reunite, gather, and celebrate the new year with their families, friends, and loved ones.
On Wednesday, February 9, 2022, the International Students Program (ISP) and Associated Students of Skyline College (ASSC) celebrated Lunar New Year at the Fireside Dining Room in Building 6 to provide the Skyline College community an opportunity to experience Asian cultural heritage through Asian snacks, traditional crafts, music, and many more. As soon as the event began, attendees began to gather around the booths; students, staff, and faculty members who participated in the event were excited and enjoyed the activities.
At the ISP booth, participants were introduced to a traditional craft made out of red envelopes called “Hong Bao”. Using Hong Bao, they were able to make Red Packet Fish while learning about the relationship between fish and the verse “Nian nian you yu (年年有余)” which means overabundance throughout the year. The word “yu (余)” means surplus or overabundance, but it also sounds similar to the word “yu (鱼)” that means fish. This is why people celebrating Lunar New Year like to have a fish dish on the dining table.
Some students were also able to make an 8-piece Hong Bao coin from the red envelopes as well. Students who made Red Packet Fishes received rewards in the form of snacks and stationery from ASSC. Although it was challenging and confusing at first, most people did not give up and made beautiful red packet fishes and 8-piece Hong Bao coin.
ISP and ASSC thanks everyone who stopped by our event and celebrated the Lunar New Year with us. May the Lunar New Year bring you happiness and prosperity!
Article by Lasheana Dilian Husni | Photo by Chikako Walker
