CORRECTION: The original version of this article contained incorrect details about who hosted the Lunar New Year celebration, the Empire Lion Dance group and the year of an Elon student. Elon News Network regrets this error.
Elon’s Asian-Pacific Student Association, Chinese Club and the Truitt Center kicked off the Lunar New Year on Feb. 7 with song and dance performances, a buffet of traditional food and snacks, and activities such as origami and calligraphy. The holiday marks the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar and is observed in many Asian countries.
President of the Chinese Club and senior Nicholas Rugbart said he was most excited to see Elon students connect with a culture they may be unfamiliar with.
“Elon in general is really built on being intercultural, and making sure that all of the students that walk in through their doors become interculturally competent,” Rugbart said. “Just looking at the smiles on everybody's faces, I think everybody's really excited to get the night going and try something new. People can come over here, maybe try their hand at some calligraphy or try a bean pastry they’ve never had.”
For others, APSA events like Lunar New Year are a way to connect to their heritage and bond with fellow Elon students. Ivan Nguyen, co-president of the APSA, has been involved with the club since his freshman year, and has served in a leadership role since sophomore year. As a senior, this was his last year celebrating Lunar New Year at Elon.
“APSA plays a significant role in every single year that I'm here at Elon,” Nguyen said. “It's just the chance of representing myself, representing my program and identity through such an amazing organization.”
Attendee freshman Lindsay Smith appreciated the opportunity to learn about how different groups celebrate cultural holidays like Lunar New Year.
“It helps bring a sense of welcoming and just sharing culture,” Smith said. “With the events, I'm not Chinese, so there are some that I didn't recognize. But there were also some other ones that I did recognize so that was really fun.”
APSA promotions coordinator sophomore Rachel Yap reminisced on the journey to put on this year’s celebration while she ran a table challenging students to pick up pompoms with chopsticks.
“It's like a full circle moment, because I actually went to last year's Lunar New Year event,” Yap said. “Now being a part of the team, it feels nice to be able to coordinate everything, plan everything, and so many months in advance.”
While the red lanterns, traditional lion dance and upbeat music are draws for the celebration, Nguyen urged attendees to remember the true meaning of the holiday. It is historically a time for renewal, reflection and connection with others.
“Lunar New Year is an opportunity for reunion with your family, your friends, your loved ones,” Nguyen said. “So I personally would encourage everyone who knows about this festival to cherish your time that you have with your loved ones.”