University Welcomes Lunar New Year With Festivities, Customs
The University of Scranton Asian studies program, Department of World Cultures and Languages, and Asia club will sponsor a 2024 Asian New Year festival and workshop on Thursday, Feb. 15.Shown, scenes from previous celebrations.By Ryan Sophabmixay '24, student correspondent
In light of the upcoming Lunar New Year Feb. 10–17, The University of Scranton Asian studies program, Department of World Cultures and Languages, and Asia club will sponsor a 2024 Asian New Year festival and workshop on Thursday, Feb. 15. Organizers encourage the University community to experience various cultures at the upcoming event, including Japanese Culture and Origami with Prof. Naoko Amori and Chinese Customs and Calligraphy with Prof. Yun (Lily) Chiang.
Dr. Ann Pang-White, Director of the Asian Studies Program, has found joy in organizing this event.
“The New Year is one of the most important holidays in Asian cultures. Families and friends come together to send off the old year and welcome the new year. So, a lot of planning goes into this event to make it enjoyable for everyone,” Dr. Pang-White said.
The University’s first Asian New Year festival and workshop event took place in 2011 and since then has become an annual tradition, with this year’s marking the 14th consecutive celebration. The event will take place in Brennan Hall 509 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Registration is still open, and RSVP is required. Register here.
Guests will experience many Asian customs, specifically from the Japanese, Chinese and Taiwanese cultures, through a selection of food, presentations and hands-on activities.
“For a two-hour event, the audience gets to sample many different elements of Asian New Year activities. But of course, the authentic way to celebrate Asian new year in Asia usually lasts seven days to two weeks,” Pang-White said.
The celebration will welcome the Year of the Dragon. In the Chinese zodiac, the dragon is fifth in the cycle of animals. Out of the 12 animals, the dragon is the only spiritual creature and is meant to shower people born in the dragon year with good fortune.
For additional information, email asianstudies@scranton.edu
“It’s so important for us, as the co-inhabitants of the global community, to become more knowledgeable and respectful of other cultures so that we can live together peacefully and caringly,” Dr. Pang-White said.
The 2023 event featured origami, tea making and a calligraphy segment, shown, which gave guests the opportunity to write Chinese characters using the calligraphy brush and ink.
