Lunar New Year Celebration

Food, joy, and quality time with family and friends are all hallmarks of a Lunar New Year celebration; this year’s celebration of the Year of the Rabbit had all of this and more.

In the Chinese program, instructor Song Ge’s students learned about the traditions associated with the festival, made and exchanged red envelopes, and enjoyed traditional snacks. “These moments were very sweet, and they reminded me of what it is like to celebrate the holiday with my family in China. Every class is like a big family, and I appreciate and love every one of them,” she shared.

Multicultural Program Coordinator Kadeine Peterson took students to the local Asian market so that they could purchase fresh dumplings and snacks – essentials for a bright and enjoyable Lunar New Year. “I enjoyed being a part of a trio of faculty members chaperoning a trip to the Asian market in Goleta. It was a fun opportunity for me to engage with members of our Asian student community while stocking up on some cross-cultural treats. Who knew that there was such overlap between Chinese and Jamaican products and food?” she remarked.

Student leaders worked with Peterson to put together the program of events for the Lunar New Year celebrations. A festive dinner party for Asian students where students prepared dumplings together was the headliner of the events. Students Tristan Hui '24, Ella Chang '23, and Kendall Rhee '24 spearheaded the event and cooked most of the dumplings themselves.

The Cate Mesa was adorned with bright red lanterns throughout the celebration, with special decorations in each dorm as well. “In our dorm, our dorm parents and students put up many Lunar New Year decorations. They looked terrific, and I had tears of joy when I saw the dorm. Around campus, there were red lanterns everywhere. They lightened up my heart,” said Song Ge.

As a special surprise, Performing Arts

Department Chair John Knecht arranged for the Cal Poly Lion Dance team to perform during the festival. Chinese communities use lion dancers to honor special guests and to celebrate important occasions such as business opening events, celebrations, wedding ceremonies, and the Lunar New Year.

Song Ge noted, “I appreciate every adult and student who participated in putting together this celebration, especially those who don't celebrate the festival. Lunar New Year is a time for family gatherings, and many of our students and I sometimes find it difficult because we are far from home. However, the selfless love, care, and support from Cate adults and students helped me to find joy instead of missing home. This community is part of my family, and I could not be more grateful for them.”