By Haley Bickelhaupt
Although many people in the Midwest view January first as the start of the year, some students on campus celebrate the new year according to the Lunar calendar.
The Lunar New Year is a popular holiday in Asian cultures and was celebrated on January 23rd. The Asian American Cultural Center and its many partners hosted events around campus and students participated in activities as they looked forward to the year of the rabbit.
"It was just nice to see the university take pride in the festival and just celebrate this,” said Arvin Sam a junior at the University who studied in Singapore before attending the University of Illinois. “It was just really nice touching back to that important aspect of my childhood again."
Arvin said the display helped him reconnect with his cultural experiences and fond memories.
The Business Instructional Facility hosted a colorful dragon, instruments, and activity kits as students and the facility stopped by the event to get involved.
The new year is commonly referred to as the spring festival in China. It is a 15-day celebration marked by many traditions. The
rabbit is one of 12 Chinese zodiac animals, a 12-year cycle.
To hear from Sam and learn more about this event want the video below.
https://vimeo.com/793892490