Starting in 2024, the academic school year will be gaining two more holidays. Lunar New Year and Native American Day will both be commemorated for the first time this year following a bill introduced by Assembly member Evan Low. Lunar New Year will be celebrated on Feb. 9, and Native American Day will be commemorated on Sept. 22.
WHAT IS LUNAR NEW YEAR?
Lunar New Year has roots in several cultures, which had developed calendars that used the phases of the moon to read the time of year.
Such efforts were necessary in order to make the most of agriculture. “If a peasant waited too long to plant a crop, he might miss advantageous spring rains…” notes, The Lunar New Year: Ritual and Legends, a resource for educators that focuses on teaching about the lunar new years and traditions that accompany it.
WHY WE CELEBRATE?
Lunar New Year is being celebrated by Delta College for the first time this year because of Assembly Bill 2596, introduced by Evan Low in 2022.
The bill introduced two new holidays including Lunar New Year as an official state holiday. It specifically states that Lunar New Year will be celebrated on “The date corresponding with the second new moon following the winter solstice, or the third new moon following the winter solstice should an intercalary month intervene”
HOW TO CELEBRATE LUNAR NEW YEAR?
If you’re a Delta college student having trouble finding ways to celebrate then look no further. Traditionally Lunar New Years is a time for a fresh start and a clean slate and this manifests in several different traditions.
This might include looking back at the failures of the previous years and internalizing lessons from them. This is especially relevant for a college student right at the start of a new semester, perhaps taking a chance to look back at the previous semester and make new goals for the future.
It’s also encouraged to meet with old friends, refreshing connections that might’ve withered in the previous year. Think about reaching out to a friend you’ve been longing to speak with, what better excuse than a tradition that’s persisted thousands of years.
This year in particular is the year of the dragon, traditionally symbolizing good luck, justice, prosperity, and strength. If you were born in the year of the dragon you are seen as charismatic, confident, and powerful.
