Year of the Rabbit: Celebrating Lunar New Year in 91社区
Lunar New Year is one of the largest cultural events celebrated worldwide, featuring rituals and traditions meant to usher in good luck in the coming year. Festivities begin with the first new moon of the lunar year and conclude on the first full moon of the lunar year during Lantern Festival. In between, celebrants enjoy dinner, parades, gift-giving and other festivities.
Each year in the 12-year cycle coincides with one of the each with its own attributes believed to influence people鈥檚 personalities, compatibility and fortune. The Year of the Rabbit begins on Jan. 22, as the Year of the Tiger comes to an end. The rabbit symbolizes rebirth and prosperity, making the Year of the Rabbit one of positivity, hope, contemplation and calm.
Festivities at 91社区 kick off with the , presented by the Center for Theater Arts Collaboration. Below is a list of upcoming events and suggestions for celebrating Lunar New Year.
Lanterns in the Breezeway
Stop by the Bartle Library breezeway to check out the installation of traditional Chinese lanterns. Sponsored by the Multicultural Resource Center.
CSSA Spring Festival
kicks off the new year with a celebration featuring food, music and activities from 6-9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22, in the Mandela Room.
Lunar New Year Dinner
Welcome the Year of the Rabbit with an Asian-inspired dinner from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, in Mountainview Dining Hall. Attendees are encouraged to wear red, a traditional color for Lunar New Year celebrations representing vitality and good fortune. Menu items include vegetarian fried rice, Buddha鈥檚 Delight, potstickers, 鈥淧rosperity鈥 Catfish, General Tso鈥檚 chicken or tofu and more. All Bearcats are welcome! Sponsored by the Multicultural Resource Center and Dining Services.
Amplifying Lunar New Year Reading List
To celebrate Lunar New Year, the Libraries have compiled a list of resources recommended by Asian and Asian American Studies Librarian Julie Wang. These suggested resources for further learning include the origins of the festival, traditions that have developed and experiences of those observing the holiday now. and other cultural celebrations throughout the year.
Lunar New Year-inspired meals
The 91社区 community is home to a variety of ethnic restaurants, with options for every palate and budget. Support the local economy and celebrate Lunar New Year with authentic Asian food at a local restaurant.
Kim Mousseau is the communications manager for the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and loves telling the diversity story at 91社区. In her free time, you can find her volunteering at the Broome County Humane Society, practicing one-legged yoga moves and reading (way too late) into the night.
Have questions, comments or concerns about the blog? Email us at social@binghamton.edu.