Gong Xi! Gong Xi!
Sunday, Jan. 22, is the Lunar New Year, marking the end of the Year of the Tiger and heralding the renewal of prosperity, happiness, and health.
Lunar New Year is a 15-day celebration for the arrival of Spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar. It is widely celebrated in most East Asian countries including China, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, Philippines, and Indonesia.
“The new year is the spring festival for China,” said Jenni Ho, Bellaire High School Teacher. “It’s when we’re able to start farming again.”
Lunar New Year provides families the opportunity to come together and enjoy traditional meals, watch fireworks, reminisce about the past, and plan for the year ahead.
This year marks the year of the Rabbit, which means those who were born in previous rabbit years will be affected by “Fan Tai Sui”—which can bring good or bad luck in love, career, and health.
“My brother was born during the year of the rabbit,” said Emma Xiao, Bellaire High School sophomore. “It only comes around every 12 years so, this year is his lucky year as we say.”
With more than 100 languages spoken, HISD is proud to serve as one of the largest and most diverse school districts in the country.
“It feels great to show our Asian culture,” said Audrey Han, Bellaire High School sophomore. “You don’t have to be Asian to celebrate or learn more about our culture.”
See how several HISD schools are celebrating: