Shining a Light on the Lunar New Year
Brightening up the winter, a festive cultural celebration of the Lunar New Year was held on Main Street on Sunday, February 11. The entire Einstein community was invited by the College of Medicine’s chapter of APAMSA, the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association, to join in welcoming the Year of the Dog. The holiday is observed at the time of the new moon that occurs closest to the beginning of spring, and each year in a twelve-year cycle is associated with a specific animal.
In 2018, the Lunar New Year celebrated the year of the dog
“The Lunar New Year is an opportunity to celebrate family and community,” explained first-year medical student Andrew Wang, who headed publicity for the event. “Elaborate feasts are held and games are played; gifts, including crisp bills in red envelopes, are given. Some communities host parades and set off fireworks. Everyone joins in wishing one another good luck in the coming year.”
Sharing Cultural Traditions
Among the attractions Andrew highlighted in his invitation were “free food, bubble tea, arts and crafts, music, games, and more!” Then, in the spirit of inclusiveness and camaraderie, he encouraged people to share their own crafts, games and foods. “We thought it would be cool if the attendees could bring whatever they think helps bring people together,” he said.
Although it’s often referred to as “the Chinese New Year,” the holiday is also celebrated in a number of other Asian countries, including Vietnam, Korea, Indonesia, and the Philippines. While each country boasts regional variations, food, family and fun are constants.
Thammatat (Juwee) Vorawandthanachai, another first-year medical student, was among the eager participants. Although the Lunar New Year is not an official holiday in Thailand, Juwee’s homeland, it’s familiar to him because his country has a large Chinese population. His family celebrates in much the same way that the Chinese do, even if the names for the foods are different. “It’s a great time for families to gather together and share a festive dinner,” Juwee said. “We get excited about it each year.” (And they mark the Thai New Year in April.)
Food was, not surprisingly, a particularly popular element of Einstein’s celebration. Chinese fare was provided by a local restaurant, and kosher dishes were available. Bubble tea, a tea-based drink with tapioca pearls, was served. Juwee noted that traditional foods for the New Year include dumplings, fish, vegetables and noodle dishes, and that many of the delicacies have symbolic meanings.
Joining in the Fun
“Lots of people came,” Juwee observed. “More than we had expected. Andrew did a great job organizing it, so everything went smoothly. He reached out to many parts of the Einstein community, including postdocs, and they brought their families as well.”
The children in the crowd were pleased with balloons and small traditional lanterns. Asian crafts, including origami, the exquisite art of paper-folding, were demonstrated, and there was a Chinese yo-yo, featured in an ancient spinning game that involves some tricky balancing as a toy shaped like a barbell is manipulated along a string attached to two sticks. A trivia board with questions about the Lunar New Year enticed audience members to compete; those who knew their facts were rewarded with candy.
APAMSA describes itself as “committed to addressing the unique health challenges of Asian Pacific American communities through education, outreach, advocacy, and service.” The Einstein chapter’s Lunar New Year festivities helped spread the word about the organization—and spread good cheer at the same time.
Editor’s Note: Another cultural “new year” celebration is approaching. On Monday, September 10, and Tuesday, September 11, Einstein administrative offices will be closed in observance of the Jewish holiday Rosh Hashanah. To learn about other holidays when the College of Medicine is closed, check out the “Holidays” icon on Inside Einstein’s workflow carousel.
Do you know of a cultural event that would interest members of the Einstein community? Are you part of a club or other group planning an event at Einstein (or elsewhere) celebrating our diverse culture? Please share your event information using the “Ask Albert!” section of Inside Einstein, and be sure to note your event on the online calendar.
Posted on: Friday, August 17, 2018