Although the new year has begun, the Lunar New Year offers another chance to pause and reset. Beginning on February 17, 2026, the fifteen-day celebration is the most important holiday in China and is traditionally celebrated across East and Southeast Asia. Lunar New Year celebrates the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year in the lunar calendar, which shifts annually to align with the new moon. 

Lunar New Year is filled with diverse traditions, many of which cultivate good luck. Traditions include decorating with red lanterns and paper cuttings, lighting firecrackers, and gifting red envelopes filled with money to invite prosperity. Symbolic foods are eaten, such as fish for wealth, sweet rice balls for family togetherness, and noodles for a long life.

2026 is the Year of the Horse, as per the Chinese Zodiac which follows a 12-year cycle. This Chinese zodiac sign symbolizes action, freedom, and breakthrough, encouraging bold moves, personal growth, and adventure. People born in this year are seen as energetic, independent, and warm-hearted.

The most important part of Lunar New Year is family connection and spending time with loved ones, making the family reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve a central event for many. “The families in my neighborhood gather, and we all make dumplings together, with Chunwan [a CMG New Year’s Gala show] blasting on the TV,” said Tina Zhang ‘28, “we also call our family members living far and abroad.” 

“I also enjoy the tradition part,” shared Marcus To ‘26, one of the leaders of the Asian American Affinity Group. “It helps me feel connected to my ancestors and my heritage, which I often kind of feel disconnected from in normal life, as there aren’t too many chances to tap into my culture.” The cultural aspect of Lunar New Year is meaningful for many Asian Americans, showing how important it is for traditions to stay alive across generations. “Lunar New Year is like Thanksgiving for my family,” said Zoey Bi ‘29. “It’s a very important holiday.” 

Despite being fifteen days long, the essence of the Lunar New Year remains throughout the year. It encourages us to appreciate our loved ones, welcome new beginnings, and become our best selves. No matter how it is celebrated, the Lunar New Year serves as a reminder that when we come together, we find strength in the hope of a fresh start.