Lunar New Year: January 29, 2025
Lunar New Year is a celebration rich with history and tradition. According to ancient legends, a fearsome monster would attack villages. To protect themselves, villagers would band together and scare it away using loud noises (music and dancing), bright lights (fireworks), and the color red.
The holiday is rooted in the lunisolar calendar, which combines the cycles of the moon and the sun to determine dates. Lunar New Year begins on the new moon closest to the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, typically falling between January 21 and February 20. This means the date changes each year.
Also known as the Spring Festival, this holiday is a time to celebrate a bountiful harvest, give thanks to the gods, and pray for prosperity in the year ahead.
Interesting Facts About Lunar New Year:
- It’s the largest and oldest holiday in many Asian cultures.
- Different Asian cultures celebrate with unique traditions and zodiac signs. There are taboos to avoid during the New Year, such as cutting your hair or cleaning your house.
- Red envelopes filled with money are given as gifts to symbolize good luck and prosperity.
- Families gather to share meals, honor ancestors, and strengthen bonds.
- The greeting isn’t just “Happy New Year” – it’s about wishing good luck and fortune.
Celebrating Lunar New Year at Aaron School
Here at the 45th Street Aaron School campus, students are diving into the traditions of Lunar New Yearש in social studies. Lower school students will be making lanterns to “scare away the monster,” embracing one of the holiday’s ancient customs.
In 2025, we celebrate the Year of the Snake. Many of our middle school students, born in 2013, fall under this zodiac sign. Those born in the Year of the Snake are believed to embody qualities like wisdom, intuition, and charm. They are also known for their determination, mystery, and strong communication skills.
During 7 th grade study skills, our middle schoolers will reflect on and celebrate the positive attributes of the Snake.
Good luck and best wishes to all our students for a prosperous and joyful Lunar New Year 2025!
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-New-Year
