Why Don’t Our Schools Recognize Lunar New Year?

By: Inho Kee

Source: University of Arkansas

Lunar New Year holds significant cultural and historical importance in many Asian communities. Here are a few reasons why Lunar New Year is important and why it should be celebrated:

Cultural Heritage: Lunar New Year is deeply rooted in the traditions and folklore of Asian cultures, including Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese. It serves as a celebration of their rich cultural heritage, connecting people to their roots and ancestral traditions.

Renewal & Fresh Start: Lunar New Year marks the beginning of a new lunar calendar year. It symbolizes a fresh start, with an opportunity to leave behind the past and embrace new possibilities, aspirations, and goals. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and making resolutions for the coming year.

Family & Community Bonds: Lunar New Year is a time when families come together, often traveling long distances to reunite and celebrate. It strengthens family bonds and provides an opportunity to honor and show respect to ancestors.

Food and Traditions: Lunar New Year is synonymous with a wide array of delicious traditional foods that hold symbolic meaning. Sharing these meals with loved ones not only satisfies the taste buds but also connects people to their cultural and culinary traditions.

Cultural Exchange and Understanding: Celebrating Lunar New Year provides an opportunity for people from different backgrounds to learn about and appreciate Asian cultures. It promotes cultural exchange, diversity, and understanding, fostering a sense of global unity and respect for different traditions.

Overall, Lunar New Year is a vibrant and meaningful festival that contributes to the richness of Asia’s global cultural tapestry.

However, recently AAYA officer Ian found out that Lunar New Year is not recognized in NVOT and NVD. With NVOT having 39.3% minority enrollment and a 30% Asian student population (US News), there is a significant amount of students that would benefit from the addition of this holiday. Similarly, NVD has a 41.3% minority enrollment with a 28.4% Asian student population. AAYA officers Ian and Inho are planning to bring up this issue to John M. Kramer, the mayor of Old Tappan. Check back to The Third Eye for the latest updates.