January 29th is Chinese New Year!
Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is the most important holiday for Chinese people.
2025 marks the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac, which is the sixth animal in the 12-year cycle. The Snake is a powerful symbol of wisdom, grace, and intuition. According to the Chinese Lunar calendar, each year is associated with one of 12 zodiac animals, each with its own distinct characteristics. These animals are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig/Boar. Each animal represents different traits and influences, shaping the energy of the year and offering insights into personality and fortune.
Chinese New Year is steeped in rich traditions that bring families together to celebrate and usher in good fortune. In the days leading up to the holiday, people thoroughly clean their homes and businesses, symbolically sweeping away the old year’s misfortunes and making space for fresh, positive energy. On New Year’s Eve, families gather for elaborate feasts, with dishes like fish, dumplings, spring rolls, savory meats, long noodles (for longevity), fruit such as mandarin oranges (for wealth), rice, and sweet glutinous rice balls in syrup to ensure happiness in the year ahead. Young people receive red envelopes filled with money, a gesture meant to bestow good luck and prosperity. As night falls, the air is filled with the excitement of fireworks and firecrackers, believed to drive away evil spirits and bring peace and fortune for the year to come.
Here at McAuliffe we celebrate with our annual Lunar New Year celebration. Students and families can join us for an evening of food, student performances and community tomorrow, January 24th. A HUGE thank you to Ms. Eubanks and her classes for coordinating this event for the MIS community every year. Also, a HUGE congratulations to Ms. Eubanks who was awarded the the Ron W. Walker Grant to support this annual celebration.
恭贺新禧,万事如意 (gōng hè xīn xǐ, wàn shì rú yì) - "Best wishes and happiness throughout the New Year"