Parades, Envelopes, and Oranges: How Lunar New Year Brings Communities Together

In Hong Kong, China, crowds wait in line in Tsim Sha Tsui, one of the region’s most popular destinations. A reporter dressed in red addresses the crowd, and the people cheer and wave in response. The streets are decked in red decorations and signs. In just a few hours, elaborate floats, dances, and music performances will parade in Tsim Sha Tsui, celebrating the entrance of the New Year. However, this celebration doesn’t take place on January 1. Instead, it begins with the first New Moon of the year. 

This year, Lunar New Year began on January 29. Each year, a different animal represents the fortunes of the coming year in accordance with the Chinese zodiac. 2025 is the year of the snake, which is associated with resilience, charm, and resourcefulness, among other qualities. 

In China, the Lunar New Year is celebrated for fifteen days, but celebrations in other Asian countries may vary. For example, in Vietnam, the celebration usually lasts for three days, and is a time for family reunions, visiting loved ones, and remembering ancestors. For Asian Student Union President Raighen Ly (27’), Lunar New Year is about community and positivity. “Our communities – we want them to thrive in the new year and give them time to rejoice. It’s good to come together and hope for a good year,” she said. 

Ly, who is Vietnamese-American, celebrates the holiday by engaging in tradition with her community and family. One of these traditions is giving out red envelopes. “Typically, if you’re older,” Ly said, “you would give red envelopes with money in them to young people.” She described how younger people in her family would receive red envelopes from people in their community. “It’s custom, even if you don’t know people. . . it’s a symbol of good fortune,” she reiterated. 

Ly also detailed how her family decorates with red lanterns and red banners for the Lunar New Year. The prominent use of red during the New Year carries historical significance. In Chinese tradition, wearing red was believed to attract prosperity, luck, and joy. It was also thought that wearing red during Lunar New Year could usher these positive qualities into the year ahead. “We celebrate because we’re trying to bring good prospects into the new year,” Ly responded when asked about what celebrating the Lunar New Year means to her. 

Another tradition that Ly and her family participate in is preparing food. “In my household we would make spring rolls,” Ly said. She explained how her family makes them from scratch, buying the ingredients first– enough for everyone to make their own– and then they come together and prepare them as a group. Furthermore, Ly detailed how her family passes out small mandarin oranges, known by their name-brand as Cuties. “If you give someone a cutie, it would be good fortune,” she commented.

Along with her family’s celebration, Ly also celebrates on campus. Asian Student Union (ASU) hosted a Lunar New Year event where students could come and make crafts, talk with their friends, and learn about the celebration. The venue was decorated with red lanterns and garland, and featured various asian dishes. 

“It’s loud, there’s fireworks, there’s lion-dances and what-not. It’s a huge deal; it’s hectic.” Ly said, referring to more well-known Lunar New Year celebrations. “We do the event to bring awareness to it, but also, there’s so much more to it than what we can show Hope.” On behalf of the ASU, Ly hopes students realize that New Year’s is celebrated in ways other than the traditional ball drop. “It’s important to recognize that not everyone on this campus specifically, or everyone globally celebrates the same version of a new year,” she said. “I think it’s good to learn about the differences in our community and on Hope’s campus.” 

By learning about these diverse traditions, students can foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the cultures that shape our campus community. To keep up-to-date on all of ASU’s events, follow them on Instagram @hope_asu. 

(Featured image: Raighen Ly)